The scope of the Centre for Food Safety’s Brazilian beef ban has been relaxed after further discussions with the South American nation’s government officials.
Imports of frozen and chilled meat and poultry from Brazil had been suspended by the CFS in wake of a rotten meat scandal enveloping the industry.
But the CFS said Tuesday that in view of the updated information provided by the Brazilian authorities and its strict implementation of its food safety system at the export level, the CFS has decided to narrow the scope of the ban to the 21 plants under investigation.
“Once the Brazilian authorities provide further information about the 21 plants, the CFS will conduct reassessment and take follow-up actions,” a CFS spokesman said in a statement.
The Brazilian authorities have provided the Hong Kong Government with up-to-date information, and stated that it will strictly implement its international certification process to demonstrate the credibility of the system. The Brazilian authorities will also continue to conduct regular audits of the system to ensure its effective operation.
“Furthermore, the Brazilian authorities noted that there are currently 21 plants being investigated and there is no evidence showing that other plants authorised to export the concerned products to the international markets are involved in any irregularities,” the spokesman said.
These plants are still being authorised by other countries such as the European Union, Singapore and China, to export the concerned products from Brazil. Over the past week, the Brazilian authorities have taken additional measures including enhanced sampling to ensure conformity of the concerned food products with food safety requirements.
The CFS has also continued enhanced surveillance on meat and poultry from Brazil. Since March 21, a total of 66 samples were taken at import and retail levels for testing of meat deterioration and other food safety indicators (such as metallic contaminants). The test results showed that all samples were satisfactory.
“After taking into consideration the latest information provided by the Brazilian authorities and the above test results, the CFS has decided to narrow the scope of the import suspension on frozen and chilled meat and poultry from Brazil with immediate effect.”
The CFS says it will continue to maintain liaison with the Brazilian authorities and suitably adjust its follow-up action in response to the latest development.
