The European Union has suspended imports of Brazilian meat and other animal products, as Brussels waits for assurances that the South American country is complying with the bloc’s rules on antibiotic use in livestock farming.

The measure, which takes effect from Thursday, covers a range of Brazilian exports, including poultry, beef, eggs, honey and animal casings intended for human consumption.

The European Commission maintains Brazil has not yet provided sufficient guarantees that its exports meet EU standards designed to prevent the misuse of antibiotics in livestock.

“Brazil will no longer be authorised to export to the Union food-producing animals and products of animal origin intended for human consumption,” a Commission spokesperson said ahead of the suspension.

Brussels has not set a date for when imports might resume, saying this will depend on how quickly Brazilian authorities can demonstrate compliance.

Brazil was added in May to an EU list of countries considered not to be meeting the bloc’s rules on antimicrobial use in livestock.

An EU audit of Brazil’s poultry and honey sectors is due to conclude on Friday, potentially offering an early indication of how quickly some exports could restart.

If the findings are favourable, and EU member states give their approval, Brazilian poultry exports could resume within weeks. Beef shipments are expected to take longer.

“Brazil is an important partner for the EU and we are working closely, constructively and positively with Brazilian authorities to ensure their compliance with these requirements,” the spokesperson said.

“Once compliance is demonstrated, exports to the EU will be able to resume.”

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(with newswires)