Imports of Brazilian chicken products

8.1.2019

Question for written answer E-000040-19
to the Commission
Rule 130
Jan Huitema (ALDE)

Last April, the European Union blocked imports of chicken products from 20 Brazilian meat producers because salmonella had been detected in them on several occasions. This embargo was lifted in September. Since then, prices of broiler chickens have fallen significantly in Europe. It is speculated that this may be because the import ban has caused a supply of surplus products to build up in Brazil, which are now being exported to the EU in large quantities at extremely low prices.

1. Can the Commission confirm that the 20 Brazilian meat companies are dumping their surplus of old meat products on the European market?

2. Can the Commission guarantee that imported Brazilian meat products now comply with European food safety and quality requirements?

3. Have Brazil’s borders been opened up to exports of European meat products, and does the Commission consider that the EU should block imports of Brazilian meat products until that happens?