Brazil’s ambassador to the European Union has said Brazil was “surprised” by the EU’s decision to ban meat imports from Brazil over antimicrobial use.
Pedro Miguel da Costa e Silva told Euronews that Brazilian authorities had engaged with the European Commission after a committee of EU national experts voted to remove Brazil from the list of countries considered compliant with EU rules on antimicrobial use in livestock production. The decision follows concerns over the use of antimicrobials to stimulate animal growth.
“The decision came as a surprise to us yesterday,” the ambassador said, adding that Brazil had already begun discussions with EU officials to reverse the measure. He said Brazilian representatives had met the European Commission’s health Directorate General to seek clarification and “obtain explanations” regarding the ruling.
The European Commission has stated that, in order to be included on the list of approved third countries, Brazil must ensure full compliance with EU requirements on antimicrobial use throughout the entire lifecycle of exported animals. A Commission spokesperson said that once compliance is demonstrated, exports could be reauthorised.
The ban, set to take effect on September 3rd, will cover a wide range of agricultural goods, including live food-producing animals and products such as beef, poultry, eggs, aquaculture, and honey.
The decision comes shortly after the provisional entry into force of the EU-Mercosur trade agreement on May 1, 2026, which aimed to liberalise agricultural trade between the EU and Mercosur countries, including Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay, and Argentina.
The move has also reignited debate within the EU over farming standards. European farmers operate under strict food safety, environmental, and animal welfare regulations, which increase production costs. In contrast, Mercosur producers often face less stringent rules, allowing for lower costs and cheaper exports.
A study for the Greens/EFA group in the European Parliament warns that this imbalance could distort competition and put pressure on EU farmers, particularly in vulnerable rural regions.
