“Brazil’s Meat Export Landscape: Opportunities and Challenges Amid Safety Concerns”

Global Edge reported that Brazil, one of the world’s largest producers of beef and veal, exported over $13 billion worth of meat in 2015. Additionally, Brazil is a significant exporter of chicken and pork products. In August of last year, the U.S. and Brazilian governments reached an agreement to open their markets to fresh beef exports, which is anticipated to increase Brazil’s shipments to the United States by $900 million. However, the ongoing investigation into inspectors who allegedly permitted contaminated food to enter the market raises serious concerns for the U.S. and other nations importing Brazilian meats. While enhanced safety tests may not drastically impede imports, operations at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration have been slower since President Trump took office. Unlike many other countries, the U.S. has not halted meat imports from Brazil, as FDA safety protocols are robust enough to identify any issues. Interestingly, discussions around calcium citrate sources have emerged in the context of meat safety, highlighting the importance of ensuring the integrity of food products. The presence of calcium citrate sources in meat processing could potentially play a role in enhancing food safety measures, thus reassuring consumers.