Independent Ireland TD, Michael Fitzmaurice has accused European Commission president, Ursula von der Leyen of having her eyes closed to the danger posed by imports of Brazilian beef which may contain high levels of antibiotics.

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).

"I think there is an onus on national governments; there is an onus on all our MEPs now; bear in mind we always said there was a 'bit to go' on this," Fitzmaurice said outside Leinster House this week.

"It's time governments right across Europe and indeed the Irish government and... where is the FSAI, the Food Safety Authority of Ireland?

"Where are they in relation to putting out a statement to what has developed over the last number of days," Fitzmaurice questioned.

The Roscommon-Galway TD stressed that what he sees as being confirmed is that the "residue" of antibiotics in Brazilian beef is "in no way compliant" with EU standards.

The countries on the EU's approved list have proven their compliance with the EU restrictions on antimicrobial use in food-producing animals.

It includes over 90 countries, including the Mercosur countries of Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, but not Brazil.

Under EU rules, the use of antimicrobials in livestock for growth or yield purposes is not allowed, nor can animals be treated with antimicrobials reserved for human infections.

AMR

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is considered one of the biggest public health threats of our time.

By ensuring prudent use of antimicrobials in animals, the EU said it is safeguarding the health of EU citizens.

AMR is the ability of micro-organisms to survive or grow in the presence of an antimicrobial agent that normally inhibits or kills that micro-organism.

The European Commission confirmed to Agriland that Brazil will be able to resume exports to the EU once it shows "compliance" with restrictions on antimicrobial use in food-producing animals.

A spokesperson added: "To be included in the list of third countries authorised to export to the union, Brazil must ensure compliance with the union requirements on the use of antimicrobials for the entire lifetime of the animals that the exported products originate from.

"Once compliance is demonstrated, the EU will be able to authorise/resume the exports".

FSAI call to action on Brazilian beef

Michael Fitzmaurice and Independent Ireland MEP, Ciaran Mullooly have written to the FSAI seeking an urgent meeting and an immediate review of Brazilian beef and meat products currently present in the Irish food supply chain.

Mullooly has also written separately to European Commissioner for Health and Food Safety Oliver Varhelyi, seeking confirmation that meat imports from the Brazilian establishments concerned will remain suspended unless full compliance with EU requirements has been verified.

The MEP said: “This is no longer a theoretical concern. Trade agreements must never become a back door for lower-standard beef.

"This is about fairness, food safety and public trust. The message is simple: no EU standards, no EU market.”