An EU move to ban non-compliant Brazilian beef imports "will protect Irish farmers", a Fine Gael senator has said.

It follows the confirmation this week by the European Commission that Brazil will not be included on a list of third countries (i.e., countries outside the EU) approved for imports of food products into the EU from September 3, 2026.

It is the only Mercosur country not to be approved for export to the EU under the EU's action plan to tackle antimicrobial resistance (AMR).

'Safeguard Irish farmers'

Senator Eileen Lynch said the European Commission’s decision "will safeguard Irish farmers and defend the integrity of Europe’s food standards".

She described the move as a "vital step in protecting public health" but warned that the ban needs to come into place immediately, rather than the September 3 date which has been given by the commission.

Senator Lynch said the decision is an "important recognition of the high standards maintained by Irish farmers and the serious risks posed by antimicrobial resistance".

“Irish beef producers operate to some of the highest food safety, traceability and animal welfare standards in the world," senator Lynch said.

"Our farmers have invested enormously in maintaining consumer confidence and producing premium-quality beef that families across Ireland and Europe can trust.

"European consumers deserve to know that the food on their tables is safe, fully traceable and produced responsibly.

"While welcome, this decision needs to be implemented immediately."

Growing threat of AMR

Senator Lynch said the "growing global threat" of AMR "cannot be ignored".

“AMR is one of the greatest public health challenges facing the world today," she said.

“The EU has rightly taken a strong stance on reducing antibiotic use in agriculture, and it is essential that these standards are not weakened by imports from countries where equivalent controls and traceability systems are not in place."

The Fine Gael senator said the commission’s decision "sends a clear message that food safety and public health must come before trade interests".

“This decision also recognises the concerns repeatedly raised by Irish farmers and farming organisations about standards in Brazilian beef production," she continued.

"Irish farmers cannot be expected to compete against imports produced under lower regulatory requirements.

"Protecting those standards is critical not only for our farming families and rural communities, but also for consumers across Europe."

Senator Lynch added that she hopes the decision will lead to "stronger enforcement" of EU food safety standards and "greater scrutiny" of imports entering the European market.