Seychelles’ authorities closely monitoring imports of meat, other products from Brazil
The Brazilian tainted meat scandal started in mid-March over allegations that major meat-packing businesses bribed inspectors to get health certificates and masked tainted meat as fit for consumption. (DrHobo/flickr) Photo License: CC BY-ND 2.0
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(Seychelles News Agency) - Seychelles' Public Health Authority said that it is monitoring closely all imports of beef, poultry and other products from Brazil following a tainted meat scandal in the South American country.
“Authorised imports from third countries will be scrutinized to confirm their origin and if needed the veterinary services will not issue any landing permit until they receive further information," a statement on Wednesday said.
An inquiry into the source of products imported into Seychelles, an archipelago in the western Indian Ocean, so far has indicated that they were not from any of the 21 facilities that have been identified by the Brazilian authorities as part of the tainted meat issue.
The Brazilian tainted meat scandal started in mid-March over allegations that major meat-packing businesses bribed inspectors to get health certificates and masked tainted meat as fit for consumption. It prompted bans from three of its key markets – China, Chile and Egypt.
According to the BBC’s update earlier this week, “China has lifted a total ban on imports of Brazilian meat imposed over allegations that companies have been selling unsafe produce for years. Chile and Egypt have also lifted their bans, the Brazilian government says.”
Brazil is the world's biggest red meat and poultry exporter, selling what amounts to more than $12 billion each year.
The Seychelles’ Public Health Authority said their investigation is ongoing and the findings will be communicated to all interested parties.
The authority has with immediate effect put in place several measures; temporary suspension of the issuance of import permits for meat and meat products from the implicated export establishments; inspection of any products already imported and being held in warehouse locally and all imported meat and meat products en-route to Seychelles will be retained to verify that they do not originate from the factories allegedly involved in irregularities.
The authority is in contact with overseas partners and regulatory authorities and will continue collaborative efforts with all agencies and stakeholders both locally and abroad to provide necessary and timely update on the progress on the situation.
