Brazil’s poultry and honey exports regain EU approval as assessment clears safety concerns

The European Commission’s food-safety arm has deemed Brazil’s poultry and honey control systems satisfactory, advancing the country’s efforts to restore exports to the EU. Final steps await, potentially re-establishing Brazil as a key supplier amid ongoing trade negotiations.

The European Commission’s food-safety arm has judged Brazil’s poultry and honey control system satisfactory, clearing a significant hurdle in the country’s effort to regain access to the EU market. The finding matters because it strengthens Brazil’s case with Brussels at a time when exporters are seeking a more stable route back into one of the world’s most demanding food blocs. What remains is the final administrative step in the European process.

According to a report published by DG Santé on 28 September, EU inspectors concluded that Brazil’s legal framework, inspection procedures, staff training and official controls can deliver the assurances required under European rules. The mission, carried out between 24 August and 4 September, included visits to poultry and honey operations as well as to public authorities, and specifically examined the ban on antimicrobials being used as growth promoters or performance enhancers.

Brazil’s agriculture ministry said the assessment confirmed the strength of its animal-health system and left no technical obstacle to restoring exports of chicken meat and honey. The ministry is now waiting for the European Union’s internal steps to be completed and has asked for the report to be placed on the agenda of the Standing Committee on Plants, Animals, Food and Feed on 20 and 21 October.

Industry groups have also pointed to the wider trade significance. The Brazilian Association of Animal Protein says the Mercosur-EU agreement reinforces Brazil’s standing as a supplier, although it does not change the current chicken quota regime.

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