The import of Brazilian chicken, which was suspended last month due to the outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (AI), is expected to resume as early as the end of this month.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs announced on the 10th that it had completed negotiations with Brazilian quarantine authorities on the sanitary conditions for the import of Brazilian poultry and poultry products the previous day. Imports will be limited to areas where highly pathogenic AI has not occurred.
Previously, the government imposed a complete ban on the import of poultry and related products from all over Brazil on the 17th of last month, following the outbreak of highly pathogenic AI in the state of Rio Grande do Sul.
Due to the import suspension, some food service companies experienced difficulties in securing materials and supplies, and the market saw chicken prices soar, spreading supply instability. In response, the government has prepared a plan to allow imports only from AI-free areas in Brazil and has been closely negotiating with the Brazilian authorities.
With the negotiations with Brazil concluded, the import may resume as early as ten days after going through the administrative notice process. Even if imports begin, distribution is expected to be possible from next month, as it takes a certain period, including transportation, before reaching the domestic market.