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Switzerland has suspended imports of meat and meat products from Brazil over concerns about compliance with regulations aimed at reducing antibiotic use in livestock farming, authorities confirmed on Monday.
The suspension has been in force since September 3, the Federal Office for Food Safety and Veterinary Affairs (BLV) told the Keystone-SDA news agency. The office said Brazil had not yet provided sufficient assurances that its products met the relevant rules on antibiotic use in animal husbandry.
Why Switzerland suspended the imports
Countries exporting animal products to Switzerland or the European Union must demonstrate compliance with regulations designed to reduce antibiotic use in livestock and help prevent antimicrobial resistance.
Switzerland applies the EU's import restrictions because it and the bloc form a common veterinary area under their agricultural agreement. This means Switzerland follows the same import conditions as the EU for animal products from non-EU countries.
EU review could allow exports to resume
The European Commission suspended meat imports from Brazil in early September after Brasilia failed to provide sufficient assurances that Brazilian products complied with EU standards on antibiotic use.
Brazilian meat imports have also been a source of disagreement surrounding the EU's trade agreement with the Mercosur bloc, which includes Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay.
Swiss authorities said imports could resume if an ongoing EU review produces a positive result and member states approve the renewal of Brazilian exports.
