Chinese sanitary authorities have flagged Frigorífico Tacuarembó after detecting residues of imidocarb, an antiparasitic drug, in a shipment of Uruguayan beef, prompting a new investigation by Uruguay’s Ministry of Livestock, Agriculture and Fisheries (MGAP), according to El Observador. Frigorífico Tacuarembó, owned by Brazil’s MBRF group, has been formally observed by Chinese authorities but has not been suspended from exporting to the Asian market, according to revistaverde.com.uy.
MGAP sources told El Observador that no sanctions have been imposed on the processor at this stage because the finding is considered a first-time detection.
“We have already requested the label from the sampled box in order to identify the producers whose cattle were slaughtered that day. With that information, visits are being carried out to the farms identified on the box, and all the necessary documentation is being prepared to respond to China,” the source said.
The ministry has 45 days to provide a response to China’s General Administration of Customs (GACC), and sanctions are expected for those ultimately found responsible.
The observation represents the first measure typically adopted by Chinese authorities and is generally considered a preliminary step before a suspension if another incident occurs.
The detection of veterinary drug residues in Uruguayan beef exports to China has occurred several times over the past 18 months, involving fipronil, fluazuron, and now imidocarb, all exceeding Chinese tolerance limits. In fact, San Jacinto recently lost its authorization to export to China following the detection of fluazuron residues.
The situation is generating significant concern among both government officials and private-sector stakeholders, not only because of the potential risks to consumers but also because of the impact it could have on exports to one of Uruguay’s most important beef markets.
Any potential suspension would directly affect producers, processors, and other participants throughout the beef supply chain.
