In a new sign of Argentina's strengthening health measures compared to the region, the European Union decided to exclude Brazil from exports of meat and other animal products to the community bloc due to failures related to antibiotic use control in livestock production. Argentina, on the other hand, was authorized for meeting the standards required by Europe.
The decision represents a severe blow to the government of the communist Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, which failed to present sufficient guarantees regarding antimicrobial resistance and health traceability in its production system. The European Commission published this week the official list of authorized countries and left Brazil out, which will mean from September a ban on exporting cattle, poultry, eggs, honey, and other animal derivatives to the European market.
Lula da Silva, crying.
The European regulation expressly prohibits the use of antimicrobials to accelerate the growth of animals intended for consumption and restricts certain antibiotics reserved for humans. In Argentina, that type of use is already prohibited, while in outdated Brazil, such practices still exist.
The livestock consultant Víctor Tonelli explained that the main problem detected by Europe is not only about productivity but also about the bacterial resistance generated by the abuse of antibiotics. He also emphasized that Argentina has higher levels of control and traceability than Brazil, a key aspect for premium markets.
In the same vein, specialists highlighted the health work being carried out by Senasa through waste control and food hygiene programs, with thousands of samples analyzed each year to ensure the safety of Argentine meat.
Javier Milei with the magnificent Argentine cows.
Although the European Union does not currently represent the main export destination for either country, the decision serves as a strong political and health signal within Mercosur. Brazil exported about 40,000 tons to the European bloc during the first four months, while Argentina placed around 18,000 tons in the quarter.
While Argentina, highly competitive, managed to meet the demanding European standards and maintain access to one of the most rigorous markets in the world, Brazil was left behind for not providing sufficient guarantees regarding controls and traceability.
