Japanese mission inspects Brazilian slaughterhouses

Between June 9 and 13, Japan’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) sent an audit mission to Brazil to assess local slaughterhouses. The aim was to review facilities, sanitary protocols, and export records to ensure compliance with Japanese standards.

During the audit, Japanese inspectors visited several processing plants, examined technical documents, and verified the implementation of traceability, hygiene, and food safety controls. The mission also held meetings with authorities and national livestock sector associations.

According to the preliminary report, MAFF expressed satisfaction with the high standards of Brazil’s inspection systems and recommended continuing current practices, with emphasis on strengthening documentation controls and ongoing staff training.

The Japanese mission is considered an important step in maintaining and expanding access for Brazilian beef to the Japanese market, which remains strategically important for the sector.

On Wednesday, June 18, representatives from the state government of Santa Catarina met officially in Japan to promote access for beef from Santa Catarina. Meetings were held at MAFF and at the Brazilian embassy, with the participation of Governor Jorginho Mello and members of the state delegation.

According to a statement from the State Secretariat of Agriculture and Livestock, “During the meetings, the delegation highlighted Santa Catarina’s sanitary track record, as the only Brazilian state currently authorized to export pork to Japan, and a poultry exporter to that market since 1989.” “Santa Catarina is ready to export beef to Japan. We already have a history of excellence in pork sales and want to expand this commercial relationship,” said the governor in a statement.