Brazil sends inspectors to endorse Russian meat plant

Meat safety inspectors have carried out a comprehensive inspection of meat processing facilities in Russia as the nation moves closer to approving imports of beef and poultry.

Russia’s veterinary watchdog, Rosselkhoznadzor, said a Brazilian delegation completed an inspection of meat plants located in Russia’s southwestern region of Bryansk.

Between 6 and 16 February, Brazilian meat inspectors aim to get acquainted with Russia’s meat production systems to assess what’s known in the meat industry as levels of equivalence. These checks are done before a country starts importing a certain agricultural product, say poultry, to ensure the exporter has similar standards when it comes to animal health, production, treatment and safety.

Rosselkhoznadzor said it had received preliminary results from the Brazilian delegation, although not did specify if any recommendations or concerns were raised.

Vladimir Oblast

Up to 16 Feb, the Brazilian delegation will visit a number of farms and factories in the Vladimir Oblast region, about 200km east of Moscow.

A final meeting, where results of the site inspection are set to be discussed, will be held on 16 February.

 

Brazil has banned Russian imports of pigs and pork products, over African swine fever concern, but talks are underway for poultry and beef.

Brazil is already a key supplier of pork to the Russian market and has been able to capitalise on Russia’s ban on EU pig meat by strengthening its flow of trade to the country.