6 June 2007

2 minute read

Europe

Reports on the Brazilian beef industry have revealed shocking inadequacies in cattle traceability, animal welfare, and veterinary supervision, as well as widespread employment of exploitative slave labour.

While some provinces in Brazil have been penalised by EU embargoes on beef exports Mr Hudghton, who discussed the matter with North East farmers at the Turriff Show, has called for a tough stance on cheap Brazilian imports. Mr Hudghton also praised the efforts of the Scottish beef industry to comply with modern safety and traceability regulations.

Commenting, Mr Hudghton says:

"This matter was first raised with me by constituents at the Turriff Show, and I am very sympathetic to the fresh calls to review Brazilian beef imports to the EU. Recent reports and testimonies from industry observers are extremely alarming and there should be a tough stance on producers from non-Member States who flout modern standards.

"It is ludicrous that, while the Scottish beef industry has been put through the mill to comply with modern EU regulations and has triumphed in exceeding expectations, large commercial buyers from Europe can import cheap alternatives from elsewhere where there are serious health and safety flaws in the beef industry.

"The Scottish livestock industry, which has worked so hard in difficult times, should not be undermined by the immoral importation of inferior products. It is therefore imperative to seriously consider a total ban on Brazilian beef into the EU. The Scottish Beef Cattle Association will be publishing another report on this matter in the near future and I anticipate its conclusions will support that view."

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