Control of Salmonella in chicken meat imported from Brazil

25.2.2019

Question for written answer E-000990-19
to the Commission
Rule 130
Clara Eugenia Aguilera García (S&D)

In mid-February, the Brazilian meat giant BRF announced the withdrawal from the market of 299.6 tonnes of chicken meat intended for export, owing to the possible presence of Salmonella.

A year ago, the EU imposed a ban on poultry meat from Brazil as a result of fraud which resulted in the issuing of health certificates concealing the presence of this bacterium.

1. What kind measures are required by the EU to ensure that imports of chicken meat from Brazil, or from any other third country, meet sanitary requirements as regards the levels of pathogens present?

2. Where undertakings the size of BRF are involved in such scandals, can the EU exclude them from calls for tender for EU import licences?