U.S., Brazil To Resume Beef Trade

The USDA has reached an agreement with its counterpart in Brazil to resume beef trade between the two countries, according to an Aug. 1 USDA press release.

Imports of Brazilian beef were blocked by the USDA out of concerns over foot and mouth disease, while U.S. beef exports to Brazil were blocked out of concerns over bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE).

The USDA's Food Safety Inspection Service (FSIS) determined that the food safety protocols in place in Brazil meet U.S. standards and that fresh (chilled or frozen) beef can be safely imported from Brazil. According to published reports, U.S. beef cattle stakeholder groups have voiced displeasure with the agreement, citing ongoing concerns about the U.S. herd being exposed to communicable diseases.