EU Halts Brazilian Meat Imports Over Antibiotic Rule Concerns

The European Union has suspended imports of Brazilian meat and other animal products over concerns that Brazil is not fully complying with the bloc’s rules on antibiotic use in livestock.

The European Commission said the suspension takes effect from Thursday and will cover products including poultry, meat, eggs and honey.

According to the Commission, Brazil has not provided enough guarantees that its exports meet EU requirements designed to prevent the misuse of antibiotics in food-producing animals.

Brazil was placed on an EU list in May after concerns were raised about compliance with rules governing antibiotic use.

An EU audit of Brazil’s poultry and honey sectors is expected to be completed on Friday. If the findings are satisfactory and EU member states approve them, poultry exports could resume within weeks.

Beef exports may take longer to restart, depending on how quickly Brazil can meet the EU’s requirements.

Brazil was the EU’s second-largest beef supplier in 2025, exporting more than 92,000 tonnes valued at over 713 million euros.

The EU bans antibiotics used solely to promote livestock growth and restricts the use of some medicines that are reserved for human treatment.

The European Commission said imports would resume once Brazil demonstrates full compliance with the bloc’s animal health requirements.