China rejects Uruguayan meat found with veterinary drug residue
November 5 (UPI) — China returned two containers of Uruguayan beef after detecting residue of the antiparasitic drug fluazuron, used to control ticks on cattle.
The incident prompted the Uruguayan government to announce emergency measures to strengthen health controls and maintain confidence in its main export market.
Uruguay’s Ministry of Livestock, Agriculture and Fisheries said the contamination was due to: Failure to comply with withdrawal periodsIt means the time that must elapse between the application of the drug and the slaughter of the animal.
At least 42 days are required for Fluazuron residue to be cleared from the animal’s system, but shorter treatment cycles likely resulted in the presence of the compound in the meat, officials said.
Livestock Minister Alfredo Fratti and Deputy Minister Matías Carámbula said that the contaminated beef was destroyed before it reached consumers and that Chinese authorities did not impose sanctions.
However, the Chinese government has informed Uruguay that it will increase Uruguayan beef samples arriving at its ports by 80%.
China is the main destination for Uruguayan beef and accounts for approximately 60% of meat exports. in 2024 Uruguay shipped 361,720 tons of beef $2.57 billion in revenue was generated as part of the total meat product of 681,827 tons.
Uruguayan authorities announced five measures to prevent new rejections: strengthening inspections focused on the detection of fluazuron in slaughterhouses and export facilities; launch a national education campaign on the responsible use of veterinary medicines; increasing sampling at processing plants by 20%; Toughening financial and administrative sanctions for producers or professionals found responsible; and establishing a national tick control plan as state policy.
Carámbula said on a local television program Uruguay’s livestock traceability system allows authorities to quickly identify farms where affected animals came from and suspend shipments while the investigation continues, he said.
Penalties may include fines of up to $2,000 and a temporary suspension of deliveries of animals for slaughter.
Carámbula said food safety controls apply to meat for both export and domestic market, and products with residue levels above permissible limits are destroyed before reaching consumers.
The incident has not caused any significant economic impact so far but has raised concerns in the meat industry.
“There was no major economic impact because only two containers were rejected. But if other cases arise where residues of these products are found, then the situation could certainly become complicated,” Carámbula said.
The Uruguayan government said it maintains a relationship of trust and cooperation with China and that the measures taken were officially communicated to the Chinese ambassador in Montevideo and Chinese health officials.
