EU bans most Brazilian beef and chicken imports over antibiotic concerns

The European Union has introduced a ban on most imports of Brazilian beef, poultry and other animal products, citing concerns over the use of antibiotics in food-producing animals. The restrictions came into force on 3 September 2026 and are expected to have implications for trade flows, food markets and farming sectors across Europe.

The move follows EU rules designed to tackle antimicrobial resistance, which the World Health Organization considers one of the biggest threats to global health. Under EU legislation, countries exporting animal products to the bloc must demonstrate that animals have not been treated with antibiotics used as growth promoters and that certain medicines reserved for treating serious human infections have not been used.

Brazil was not included on the EU’s latest list of countries authorised to export most products of animal origin because it could not provide sufficient guarantees that its production systems meet these requirements. As a result, exports of most Brazilian beef and poultry to the EU have been suspended.

Some products are exempt from the ban, including gelatine, collagen, highly refined products and certain niche animal products. Goods passing through the EU without entering the market are also excluded.

The decision comes only months after the ratification of the EU-Mercosur trade agreement, highlighting the continuing tension between trade liberalisation and food production standards.

For UK consumers and farmers, the immediate impact is less clear. The EU rules apply in Northern Ireland, meaning affected Brazilian products can no longer be imported there. Great Britain, however, is not currently bound by the same legislation and has not introduced an equivalent ban.

Industry groups have warned that meat originally destined for the EU could instead be redirected to the UK market, potentially increasing supplies of Brazilian beef and chicken. All four UK’s farming unions have called on the UK Government to urgently prohibit imports of Brazilian meat and align with EU restrictions to prevent market disruption and maintain equivalent standards, warning that failure to act could put public health, farm businesses and public confidence in UK food at risk.

The ban may not be permanent. EU officials are currently assessing new Brazilian control systems, particularly for poultry production. If Brazil can provide evidence that its exports comply with EU antimicrobial requirements, some trade could resume following approval by EU member states. Poultry exports could potentially restart within months, while restrictions on beef are expected to remain in place for considerably longer.

More information: https://www.britishagriculturebureau.co.uk/updates-and-information/eu-bans-imports-of-brazilian-beef-and-chicken/