Vietnam suspends meat imports from Brazil

Meat sold at a supermarket in Recife city, Brazil, on March 20 (Photo: Xinhua/VNA)

Hanoi (VNA) – Vietnam has suspended the imports of meat, livestock and poultry products from 21 factories of Brazil which have been under suspicion of using unhygienic substance.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) issued a decision to temporarily halt the imports on March 23, asking the Department of Animal Health to closely supervise the imports from Brazil before March 23 and notify if products from those factories are found. 

The department was also requested to send an official notice of the decision to Brazil’s authorized agencies. 

It will also be responsible for verifying whether Brazil can ensure the hygiene of the products and then report to the MARD. 

Vietnam has imported about 3,000 tonnes of meat and meat products from Brazil since the beginning of 2017, which is relatively small compared to nearly 6 million tonnes of meat that the South American country ships abroad every year.

Before entering Vietnam, all meat from Brazil is kept at ports and tested. Only qualified meat is allowed for sale in the country, the Department of Animal Health said on March 22.

Regarding the Brazilian meat already imported into Vietnam, some big supermarkets like Big C and Saigon Co.op said they do not sell beef and chicken products hailing from Brazil.