Switzerland halts Brazilian meat imports over antibiotic usage concerns

Switzerland has halted imports of meat and meat products from Brazil over concerns about compliance with rules aimed at reducing antibiotic use in livestock farming, authorities confirmed Monday.

The ban has been in force since Sept. 3, the Federal Office for Food Safety and Veterinary Affairs (BLV) confirmed to the Keystone-SDA news agency.

"Brazil has not yet provided sufficient guarantees that its products comply with the regulations on the use of antibiotics in animal husbandry," the office said.

Countries exporting animal products to Switzerland or the EU must demonstrate compliance with regulations designed to reduce antibiotic use in livestock and help prevent antimicrobial resistance.

Switzerland adopted the EU's import restrictions because the country and the bloc form a common veterinary area under their agricultural agreement, meaning Switzerland applies the same import conditions to animal products from non-EU countries.

The European Commission suspended meat imports from Brazil in early September after Brasilia failed to provide sufficient assurances that its products met EU standards on antibiotic use.

Brazilian meat imports have also been a point of contention surrounding the EU's trade agreement with the Mercosur bloc, comprising Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay.

Swiss authorities said imports could resume if an ongoing EU review produces a positive outcome and member states approve renewed Brazilian exports.