Brazilian supermarkets face fines and lawsuits over sale of spoiled meat

Consumer protection authorities in Brazil have taken action against supermarkets selling spoiled meat. In Goiânia, the city’s consumer protection agency (Procon) inspected a supermarket in the northwest region after a consumer complaint and discovered about 30 kilograms of expired and deteriorated meat, including cuts such as coxão mole and bife de coxão duro. The products were seized, discarded on site, and the store was fined and may face administrative penalties.

In a separate case in Cuiabá, a customer filed a civil lawsuit against the upscale Supermercado Big Lar, alleging that a 1.16‑kg piece of premium "Entrecôte Montana" purchased for R$78.76 was rotten and emitted a strong, foul odor. The plaintiff also named meat processor Marfrig as a defendant, seeking R$20,000 in moral damages and reimbursement for transport costs. The supermarket replaced the meat, and a conciliation hearing has been scheduled for August 17.

Both incidents illustrate heightened enforcement of food safety standards and growing consumer willingness to pursue legal redress in Brazil.