Four British farming unions have formally requested that the UK government ban meat imports from Brazil, citing concerns over the presence of salmonella, hormones, and antibiotics. The National Farmers Union (NFU), NFU Scotland, Ulster Farmers’ Union, and NFU Cymru have sent a joint letter to Defra Secretary of State Angela Eagle, urging a UK-wide prohibition on Brazilian meat.
These unions argue that meat produced in Brazil is not subjected to the same stringent safety regulations enforced in Europe and the UK, potentially posing a risk to public health. They highlight that in May, food safety regulators discovered salmonella in 80 percent of a frozen chicken batch imported to Greece from Brazil. Additionally, reports indicate that beef shipments to Europe have contained carcasses from animals treated with oestrogen, a hormone banned in both the EU and the UK.
The unions also expressed concern over Brazil's compliance with EU limits on antibiotic use for food-producing animals, a critical factor in combating the growing threat of antibiotic resistance. The increased exposure to antibiotics can accelerate the adaptation of bacteria, rendering essential medications less effective.
Effective Thursday, the European Union will ban imports of Brazilian meat. UK experts advocate that Britain should adopt a similar measure.
UK imports of Brazilian meat have seen a significant increase since 2021. The annual expenditure rose from £3 billion in 2021 to £5 billion last year. In 2024, poultry imports from Brazil constituted approximately 13 percent of the total chicken imports to the UK.
Concerns have been raised that British consumers may unknowingly consume Brazilian meat, as a substantial portion of these imports are directed to the UK's food service sector, including restaurants, schools, and hospitals, where origin labeling is not mandated.
The farming unions stated that a failure to act would not only expose the nation to public health risks but also damage consumer confidence in beef and poultry. They emphasized that UK farmers adhere to high production standards and cut antibiotic use, suggesting imported food should meet similar benchmarks.
These warnings come as the UK is experiencing a notable increase in salmonella infections, with 474 people sickened and two deaths reported. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) reported a 25 percent rise in cases over the past month. While investigations are ongoing, health officials suspect imported eggs as a potential source for the current outbreak. The UKHSA noted that British cases have been linked to consumption at smaller establishments like cafes, restaurants, and takeaways.
Similar salmonella cases are being reported across other European countries, including Austria, Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, and the Netherlands. Dutch health officials are investigating chicken products as a possible source.
The potential risks associated with salmonella include severe dehydration, blood poisoning, organ failure, and, in extreme cases, death. Vulnerable populations, such as the elderly, pregnant women, and young children, have been advised to avoid undercooked eggs when dining out. The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has stated there is no evidence that UK-produced eggs are affected but has advised thorough handwashing after handling eggs or their packaging.
Of the confirmed salmonella patients in Britain, over a third required hospitalization. In two instances, the infection spread from the gut into the bloodstream. While most recorded cases are recent, some samples date back to August of the previous year, with London and Yorkshire and the Humber being the most affected regions in England. Health officials currently assess the overall risk to the general public from salmonella as low.