The Tribune

THE Ministry of Agriculture and Marine Resources has lifted the temporary ban on the import of beef and beef by-products from Brazil.

In a statement yesterday, the ministry said that in consultation with the chief veterinary officers of CARICOM, it is satisfied that importation of beef and beef by-products from Brazil may resume with immediate effect.

“However, the ministry will remain vigilant regarding all food items imported into the Bahamas, and will apply the normal protocols to ensure the safety of all consumers within our borders,” the statement noted.

In late March the government announced a ban on all processed meat imports from Brazil for 60 days as a precaution following the shocking bribery scandal unfolding in the South American country.

It was reported at the time that the government of Brazil had suspended exports from 21 meat-processing units due to food inspectors taking bribes to allow sales of rotten and salmonella-tainted meats.

“To safeguard public health and food safety in the Bahamas, the Minister for Agriculture and Marine Resources V Alfred Gray, has announced a precautionary ban of meat imports from Brazil,” the ministry said last month.

“Until further notice, no permits for the importation of processed meat products from Brazil will be issued. This includes corned beef as well as other beef products and beef by-products.”

Last month, the Ministry of Agriculture and Marine Resources said it would monitor the issue over the next 60 days.

“Should we be satisfied that imports from Brazil be resumed, it would be with the following proviso: beef must be slaughtered and processed at an approved government abattoir and processing facility; a sanitary certificate should accompany all imports from Brazil; inspection of all batch containers be done at the port of entry; an import permit must be sought by all importers from the relevant government agency; and a registry must be compiled of all importers of beef and beef products from Brazil,” the previous statement said.