Earlier this month, a raid of more than a dozen meatpacking plants by Brazilian police saw more than 40 cases of meatpackers bribing politicians and inspectors to overlook unsanitary conditions, including rotten-meat processing. Police found pigs’ heads crushed and mixed into sausages, cardboard mixed with chicken meat, and chemicals injected into meat to hide the smell of rot. Federal officials also found that some companies had manipulated certificates for export, including to countries such as Spain and Italy.
Once news of the horrifying corruption broke, trade bans with Brazil’s meat industry, including industry giants such as JBS SA, the world’s largest poultry exporter; and BRF SA, the world’s number one meatpacker, swept the globe.
China, Hong Kong, Egypt, and Chile were just some of the countries to ban beef imports from Brazil. According to data compiled by BTG Pactual bank, these four countries alone account for a staggering 53 percent of Brazil’s total beef exports.
JBS SA has seen a 35 percent reduction in beef production since the probe. The company also suspended operations at 33 out of 36 beef slaughter plants for three days last week. Weekly exports of pork and poultry have dropped a total of 22 percent. Since news of “Operation Weak Flesh went public, Brazil’s daily meat exports have fallen from an average of $63 million to $74,000, MeatingPlace.com reports.
Fallout will undoubtedly continue for Brazil’s meat industry. Meanwhile, animals are still suffering in filthy, cruel factory farms before being violently slaughtered in countries around the globe.
You can make the compassionate choice and refuse to support an industry that tortures animals and deceives consumers. Visit ChooseVeg.com to learn how to transition to a healthy and humane vegan diet.
