Mozambique: Government intensifies inspection of Brazil meat imports

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Mozambique: Government intensifies inspection of Brazil meat imports

3:05 CAT | 29 Mar 2017

Reuters / An inspection in Brazil of operation 'Weak Flesh'

The government of Mozambique is aware of the “Weak Flesh” operation carried out by the Brazilian Federal Police, which aims to combat corruption and public health offences committed by Brazil’s largest meat producers.

Information from Brazil suggests the existence of adulterated or out-of-date meat to which chemical products such as ascorbic acid, nitrite and nitrates have been applied as a way of concealing deterioration and making it look like a fresh product fit for human consumption.

The producers involved export the meat so treated to various markets, including Mozambique. In recent weeks, the European Union, South Korea, China and South Africa, have temporarily banned the import of meat from Brazil.

“As regards the ‘Weak Flesh’ operation, Mozambique is concerned about the public health issue, taking into account the Mozambican diet in the main urban centres and the fact that meat is imported from Brazil. As a result, a joint team involving the Ministries of Industry and Trade, Health, Agriculture and Food Security, and Economy and Finance through the Mozambique Tax Authority has been on the ground since the beginning of the operation to monitor the importation of Brazilian meat in the last six months,” a statement sent to Folha de Maputo reads.

The Ministry of Industry and Commerce will decide tomorrow what actions are to be taken with regards to meat imported from Brazil to ensure the health of Mozambican consumers.

Source: Folha de Maputo