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USDA steps up inspections of Brazilian beef

The USDA is stepping up its inspections of meat imported from Brazil.

In a statement provided to Brownfield, the agency says it has started testing all lots of raw beef and ready-to-eat product from Brazil for pathogens. USDA says, upon arrival at a U.S. port-of-entry, all Brazilian meat shipments must be re-inspected by a USDA import inspector before they are allowed into the country.

The action is in response to an investigation involving several Brazilian meatpackers who are accused of bribing inspectors to waive food safety requirements and allowing contaminated meat to be shipped. Several countries, including China, Hong Kong and the European Union have temporarily suspended imports of Brazilian meat products.

The USDA spokesperson says they are in contact with USDA embassy officials and Brazil’s ag ministry about their investigation and will continue to monitor the events as they unfold.

Brazil was the world’s largest producer of beef and veal in 2016 and one of the top exporters. The country is also a major exporter of chicken and pork products.