Suspension of Brazilian poultry exporting plants by Saudi Arabia - Joint press release by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Supply

The Brazilian government was surprised and dismayed by Saudi Arabia's decision to suspend 11 processing plants that export poultry to that country. There was no prior contact from the Saudi authorities, nor did they give any motivation or justification to support the suspensions. The information is in a new list of Brazilian plants allowed to export to Saudi Arabia, which was published today by the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SDFA), The new list excludes the above-mentioned plants, which were previously approved. Until now, only Brazil´s poultry exporters list has been updated.

Brazil reaffirms that our high quality and health standards are followed by our entire chain of products of animal origin and secured by strict inspections by the official veterinary service. Brazil is confident that all health requirements established by destination markets are fully met.

The Brazilian government has initiated contacts with Saudi authorities and the Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Brasilia to seek further clarification of the ban. All bilateral and multilateral channels will be employed to reach a quick resolution to the issue. If an undue barrier to trade is proven, Brazil may submit the case to the WTO.