Barbados has implemented a temporary ban on the importation of all meat and meat products from Brazil.

This disclosure came this evening via the Barbados Government Information Service from Senior Veterinary Officer, Dr. Mark Trotman, who said that due to concerns about the possibility of adulterated corned beef from Brazil entering Barbados, the ban had been effected pending further investigation as to whether any of the product had come into the island.

Dr. Trotman has also advised retailers to withdraw all Brazilian meat products from their shelves.

He also warned consumers not to purchase corned beef or other canned meats manufactured in Brazil until the investigation was completed.

“As part of our investigations, samples of product are being collected and will be analysed by the Veterinary Services Laboratory and the Government Analytical Services Laboratory,” the Senior Veterinary Officer disclosed.

In doing so, Barbados joins Jamaica and Trinidad & Tobago, which instituted similar bans on Monday and Tuesday, respectively.

The news was released on Saturday that some of Brazil's biggest meat processors have been accused of selling and exporting rotten beef and poultry.

The BBC reported that three Brazilian meat processing plants have also been closed and another 21 are under scrutiny.

The rotten meat is said to be produced by companies who export to Europe and other parts of the world.

Brazil is the world's largest red meat exporter.

'Operation Weak Flesh' was carried out in six Brazilian states after a two-year investigation.

Brazil's Agriculture Minister met with foreign ambassadors on Monday to reassure them and try to prevent trade sanctions.

The investigators allege that some managers bribed health inspectors and politicians to get government certificates for their products.

http://www.loopnewsbarbados.com/content/ban-meat-imports-brazil-consumers-warned-not-buy