RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – The Chinese government has suspended imports of chicken meat from a unit of Bello Alimentos (brand name Frango Bello), from Itaquirai (MS), and a plant of Sao Salvador Alimentos (brand name Super Frango), in Itaberaí (GO), according to a statement on the official website of the General Administration of Customs of China (Gacc) published on Monday, 31.
The Chinese informed that the interruption of purchases went into effect on Monday, without signaling when business could be resumed or the reason for the decision.
The Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture confirmed the suspension by China of the qualification for exports of chicken protein from the two Brazilian plants.
However, the government stressed that “the technical area of the Ministry of Agriculture disagrees with the decision adopted by the health authority of China.”
According to the statement, Brazil “will present the technical information to reverse the suspension” with Gacc, the Chinese government body responsible for the qualification of exporting establishments and performs the control of goods at customs.
In December, China suspended chicken meat imports from the BRF unit in Marau (RS). In August, the country had also suspended imports of pork and poultry from the BRF unit in Lucas do Rio Verde (MT).
The Asian country has been suspending, since 2020, the purchase of meatpacking plants from several countries. The justification would be greater sanitary control due to the Covid-19 pandemic.