Brazilian chicken meat deemed safe

Suriname’s Ministry of Trade, Industry and Tourism and the Ministry of Agriculture, Cattle Breeding and Fisheries (LVV) have been taking precautionary measures aimed at protecting consumers in response to Brazil’s meat scandal. Brazil’s meat processing companies, JBS and BRF, among the largest in the world, have seen 5.4 billion reais ($1.74 billion) wiped off their value over the last month, owing to the ongoing adulterated meat scandal. The two multinationals are accused of chemically altering meat to mask its smell and change its color as well as selling expired meat products. Brazil’s federal police have charged 63 people for participating in these activities. All have been charged with passive corruption, use of forbidden or illicit substances, falsification of medical records, adulteration of food products or substances, embezzlement, malversation, and use of false documentation, among others. The revelation of the case led to at least 25 countries imposing restrictions on imports and purchases of Brazilian meat, although most have since been lifted after the Brazilian government led a campaign to show it only concerns a small portion of its meat industry. “Our authorities nevertheless decided to take additional measures to protect consumers. It was decided that all meat imports from Brazil would be put on hold temporarily. All recent imports were also kept in storage facilities so that samples from the meat products could be tested in the laboratory. The importers fully cooperated with the tests. The samples have already been analyzed and deemed safe for consumption.” Officials have already given the green light to the meat imports from Brazil. During the investigation local officials remained in close contact with the local importers and Brazil’s Charge d’Affaires. Brazilian officials have released an official statement, indicating that meat that is exported to Suriname does not come from the meat processing companies that are being investigated. Brazil is the largest global exporter of beef and chicken and the fourth-largest exporter of pork.