EU detects Brazilian beef containing hormones
The European audit, carried out in October 2025 and published in February 2026, assessed the effectiveness of the corrective measures implemented by Brazil's Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAPA) following previous warnings in 2024.
Although Brazilian authorities established a new private traceability system called the Protocol for the Export of Female Bovines (PEFB) to segregate treated animals, the Commission concludes that the action plan has not been implemented as proposed and the critical recommendation remains unresolved.
The document points to significant operational deficiencies, highlighting that certification procedures failed, allowing meat from treated animals to end up being exported.
Specifically, the audit was able to trace and document that products from females treated with 17β-estradiol were included in shipments to the EU under the protection of 15 health certificates.
One of the most critical findings for B2B operators is the lack of commercial transparency. According to the Commission, Brazilian authorities failed to inform EU importers about the inclusion of these ineligible products in their consignments, a direct violation of EU regulations.
The report underlines that this accumulation of deficiencies “undermines confidence” in the ability of Brazil’s competent authority to ensure compliance with its commitments.
It is worth noting that, on a positive note, the report did address a previous recommendation regarding the performance and validation of the Brazilian network of laboratories for residue control.
The findings from Brussels have set off alarm bells in the Spanish industry.
PROVACUNO warns that this report confirms what they have been denouncing for some time. The interprofessional organization emphasizes that production systems exist in Mercosur countries that are prohibited in Europe and "classified in our Penal Code as crimes against Public Health."
The problem, PROVACUNO clarifies, is not that Brazil uses hormones in its production, as that is legal there. The critical issue is the complete lack of measures to ensure that this meat does not end up entering the European market.
Therefore, they are sending a direct message to the institutions: “The question should be directed to national and European politicians, who are promoting an ambitious agreement with the Mercosur countries.” They demand that these politicians explain to consumers how it is possible that meat produced with hormones and antibiotic growth promoters is entering the country.
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