The ministerial intervention responds to the detection of tick medication residues in shipments, a situation considered critical due to the risk of losing international markets and the health impact.

This led to the return of containers containing prohibited chemicals by China, raising concerns among both authorities and foreign buyers.

Fratti warned that the problem has ceased to be an isolated issue and has become a national concern requiring stricter controls and enhanced traceability.

Stricter sanitary controls will be in place starting March 2. At the same time, the government is advancing a decree that will allow for the suspension of meat exports for 90 days if contaminant residues are detected. “This is much more serious than people think,” Fratti insisted, while emphasizing the need to “respond to our buyers.”

The minister admitted that the concerns are coming primarily from China.

However, he warned that the issue will also be key in the relationship with the European Union, especially after the provisional entry into force of the Mercosur-EU trade agreement on May 1st.

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