The so-called Weak Flesh probe launched March 17 by Brazilian police into the alleged bribing of federal inspection agents to clear the sale and export adulterated meat has taken a toll on the world’s largest exporter of beef and chicken.
As companies and the government scramble to contain the damage, several top foreign buyers announced suspensions and increased inspections. Exports plunged to just $74,000 on Tuesday, compared with the daily average of $63 million, according to Brazil’s Trade Ministry, a drop of 99.9 percent.
In The Spotlight
Here’s a list of the countries that have announced restrictions on Brazilian meat:
China: Suspended beef and chicken imports
Hong Kong: Suspended frozen and chilled meat imports
Macau: Suspended frozen meat imports, according to Xinhua News Agency
Saudi Arabia: Increased inspections
Qatar: Ordered ports to hold products until samples taken and analyzed
South Korea: Temporarily suspended distribution, which has since been resumed
Japan: Suspended imports from 21 plants involved
Chile: Temporarily banned imports
Argentina: Increased sanitary controls
Uruguay: Suspended imports from plants involved
Mexico: Suspended livestock imports
US: Delisted one plant Jamaica Suspended imports, according to Folha de S. Paulo newspaper
EU: Suspended meat, chicken imports from plants involved
UK: Increased border checks
Egypt: Increased inspection rules, temporarily suspended permits on new imports
South Africa Suspended meat imports from some companies
News by Bloomberg, edited by ESM. Click subscribe to sign up to ESM: The European Supermarket Magazine.
