French parliamentarians have expressed views that Meat produced by Mercosur countries is comparable to garbage due to the use of growth hormones, antibiotics, and transgenic soy in rearing animals. However, experts from Brazil, a Mercosur country, refute these claims, stating that the use of growth hormones is prohibited, antibiotics are used only when the animal is sick with a doctor's prescription, and feed additives, which are antibiotics, are used to optimize cattle digestion. Brazilian cattle also feed on transgenic soybeans, which there is no scientific proof of harm to health. The Brazilian government also defended the quality of its meat and applauded Carrefour's CEO for his apology. Brazil follows the international standards of the Codex Alimentarius, which permits the use of antibiotics in treatments and prevention.