FVO Report proves once again that Brazilian Beef must be Banned Immediately - Nicholson
Ulster Unionist MEP Jim Nicholson has launched a blistering attack on the European Commission today over their stance on imports of Brazilian beef to the EU.
Mr Nicholson was speaking as the European Union’s Food and Veterinary Office published their latest report on Brazil’s failure to meet EU standards and food safety controls.
The FVO report found that:
- The Brazilian State Veterinary Service had no systematic audit system for animal health.
- No criteria for such an audit established.
- Cold stores in ports dealing with beef destined for Europe were not audited.
- There was a lack of adequate trained staff in the State Veterinary Service.
- Shortcomings that previous FVO investigations had identified had not been addressed.
- The 90-day residence rule on cattle destined for EU was regularly broken.
- Insufficient protection against rodents and insects by food Business operators.
- Operation hygiene could not be fully guaranteed.
Speaking from Brussels Mr Nicholson said,
“Once again we have concrete evidence to support the introduction of an immediate ban on imports of Brazilian beef to the EU. The Commission cannot be allowed to duck the responsibility they have to consumers and the farming industry to ban this sub standard product immediately. It is time they took their head out of the sand on the issue.
“Time after time, Brazilian beef has been proven to be of a sub – standard nature. Traceability is non-existent, there are no controls at regional borders, no controls on animal movement and there are risks of further Foot and Mouth outbreaks. Northern Ireland’s farmers must comply with the high standards laid down by the EU in terms of health, food safety and traceability so why shouldn’t imports coming into the EU from other countries do the same?