China has suspended beef imports from three Brazilian meatpacking plants after inspectors detected synthetic veterinary hormones in cattle, according to reports confirmed by Reuters.
The suspensions affect facilities operated by JBS, Prima Foods and Frialto. China bans the use of certain synthetic growth hormones in beef production, making the findings a significant trade issue between the two countries.
The move comes as Brazil continues pushing to expand beef exports to China, which remains the country’s largest foreign customer for beef shipments. Brazilian officials recently requested approval for exports from 33 additional meatpacking facilities as demand for Brazilian beef has continued growing in the Chinese market.
Neither the companies involved nor Brazil’s beef industry association, Abiec, immediately provided detailed comments regarding the suspensions or how long the restrictions could remain in place.
The latest action adds new uncertainty to the beef trade relationship between Brazil and China, especially after Chinese authorities approved the resumption of shipments from three other Brazilian beef plants earlier this month that had previously faced export restrictions.
China has increasingly tightened oversight of imported meat products in recent years as it monitors food safety standards and domestic supply concerns.