EU move to ban non-compliant Brazilian beef imports will protect Irish farmers – Lynch

The European Commission’s decision to move towards a ban on Brazilian beef and agricultural imports that fail to comply with rules on antimicrobial use will safeguard Irish farmers and defend the integrity of Europe’s food standards, a Fine Gael Senator has said.

Senator Eileen Lynch described the move as a vital step in protecting public health but warned that the ban needs to come into place immediately, rather than the 3 September date which has been given by the Commission.

Senator Lynch said the decision is an important recognition of the high standards maintained by Irish farmers and the serious risks posed by antimicrobial resistance.

“Irish beef producers operate to some of the highest food safety, traceability and animal welfare standards in the world. Our farmers have invested enormously in maintaining consumer confidence and producing premium-quality beef that families across Ireland and Europe can trust.

“It is only right that imports entering the European market are held to the very same standards. European consumers deserve to know that the food on their tables is safe, fully traceable and produced responsibly. While welcome, this decision needs to be implemented immediately.”

Senator Lynch said the growing global threat of antimicrobial resistance cannot be ignored.

“Antimicrobial resistance is one of the greatest public health challenges facing the world today. The overuse and misuse of antibiotics in food production undermines the effectiveness of medicines that are essential for treating serious human illnesses.

“The European Union has rightly taken a strong stance on reducing antibiotic use in agriculture, and it is essential that these standards are not weakened by imports from countries where equivalent controls and traceability systems are not in place.”

The Fine Gael Senator said the Commission’s decision sends a clear message that food safety and public health must come before trade interests.

“This decision also recognises the concerns repeatedly raised by Irish farmers and farming organisations about standards in Brazilian beef production. Irish farmers cannot be expected to compete against imports produced under lower regulatory requirements. This is why we voted No to Mercosur and this decision proves the validity of our concerns.

“Ireland’s beef sector is built on quality, sustainability and trust. Protecting those standards is critical not only for our farming families and rural communities, but also for consumers across Europe.”

Senator Lynch added that she hopes the decision will lead to stronger enforcement of EU food safety standards and greater scrutiny of imports entering the European market.

The European Commission confirmed that countries exporting meat to the EU must demonstrate compliance with EU antimicrobial restrictions, with Brazil currently excluded from the approved list ahead of new rules taking effect in September.