US: Legislation proposed to suspend Brazilian beef imports

This legislation would require Brazilian beef to be deemed safe for consumption before it enters US markets. A moratorium would be imposed on the beef until a group of food safety, animal health and trade experts can recommend an import status. In November 2021, the bill was originally introduced after Brazil delayed reports of animal diseases. Brazil waited until September 2021 to report two cases of atypical bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) to the World Organization of Animal Health (OIE). Brazil implemented similar prolonged waiting periods in 2012, 2014 and 2019. “Producer’s livelihoods are being compromised by Brazilian beef imports that fail to meet our country’s food safety and animal health standards, as Brazil has a history of failing to report, in a timely and accurate manner, diseases found in their herds,” Rounds said. “This poses a significant threat to both American producers and consumers. Consumers should be able to confidently feed their families beef that ...