24 March 2017
Brazilian investigators charge that health inspectors were bribed to overlook the sale of expired meats. Police also allege that the appearance and smell of expired meats was improved by using chemicals and cheaper products like water and manioc flour.
Police named BRF SA and JBS SA, along with dozens of smaller rivals, in a two-year probe into how meatpackers allegedly paid off inspectors to overlook practices including processing rotten meat, shipping exports with traces of salmonella and simply not carrying out inspections of plants. JBS is the world's largest meat producer and BRF the biggest poultry exporter.
Brazil’s trade associations for beef, pork and poultry producers warned that the scandal could have a massive effect on employment and the economy because the sector’s exports represent 15 per cent of total exports. The U.S. Department of Agriculture said in a statement that it had instituted testing of all Brazilian shipments of raw beef and ready-to-eat products for pathogens and had increased the examination of those imports. Several countries announced a temporary suspension of Brazilian meat imports. Brazil is the world's biggest beef and poultry exporter.