Non-compliance with health standards in Brazilian slaughterhouses
3.8.2022
Question for written answer E-002775/2022
to the Commission
Rule 138
Angelo Ciocca (ID)
A recent undercover video filmed in three different Brazilian slaughterhouses, duly certified at municipal and state level, has revealed the shocking abuse of slaughterhouse cattle. The footage shows animals being mistreated, beaten and skinned alive.
Brazil is the world’s largest exporter of beef. Its intensive farms and industrial slaughterhouses are responsible for over 80% of the country’s deforestation, and it is estimated that 17% of meat consumed in Europe is directly linked to illegal deforestation. As Europe’s top importer of this type of meat (fresh or frozen), Italy purchases between 25 000 and 30 000 tonnes per year.
Although many investigations and reports have exposed this utter disregard for animal welfare and the environment, and despite violations of federal laws on public health and slaughter, the Brazilian Government is clinging on to policies that promote these practices in the EU-Mercosur trade agreement.
In view of this:
- 1.What is the Commission going to do enforce basic checks and ensure that meat imported from Brazil is safe?
- 2.How will it shield Italian and European farmers from the effects the agreement will have on our market?