Brazil's Agriculture Ministry Bans Fish Exports to EU

On Tuesday, the Brazilian Agriculture, Animal Husbandry and Supply Ministry announced that a temporary ban would be placed on fish exports to the European Union (EU) as a preventative measure.

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The Brazilian Agriculture Ministry said the ban, which takes effect on Jan. 3, moves to avoid any blockade from the EU.

The South American country's authorities made the decision after several issues were found, with the practices of some Brazilian companies that export fish to Europe.

The EU conducted a food safety regulations audit which revealed the discrepancies.

According to an Efe report, the EU inspectors took issue with six of the 10 export companies that were audited.

In September, the European Union carried out the audit of Brazil's fishery sector and, in turn, slammed the sector for not separating the capture of wild fish and fish farming activities.

Additionally, an intensive inspection of the ships used by Brazil's seafood exporters was also suggested by the auditors.

The Brazilian ministry disclosed that fish export totaled $21.8 million from January to November in 2017.