Ending a visit prompted by a meat-inspection scandal, the EU food safety commissioner said Brazil’s meat inspection system “must be independent and not under the influence of politicians and other actors,” reported Reuters. EU commissioner Vytenis Andriukaitis told the wire service that EU restrictions and stepped-up checks of meat from Brazil may not be removed in the near term.
The EU is the second-largest market for Brazilian meat. Nations around the world restricted shipments in the wake of the scandal. Hong Kong, the No. 1 importer and No. 3 China have removed blanket bans on Brazilian meat.
“Brazil’s federal food inspectors currently report to the agriculture ministry and the system has come under fire for having politically appointed supervisors,” said Reuters. Police allege that meat companies paid bribes to cover up health violations, including sales of spoiled meat. Brazilian President Michel Temer announced new rules for the meat processing industry, including dramatically higher fines for violations.