China suspends exports of three Brazilian meat processors over sanitary issues

China announced a temporary suspension of beef exports from three Brazilian meat‑processing facilities after its authorities flagged sanitary irregularities. The affected plants are a JBS unit in Pontes e Lacerda (Mato Grosso), PrimaFoods’ plant in Araguari (Minas Gerais) and Frialto’s slaughterhouse in Matupá (Mato Grosso). Chinese inspectors reported the presence of the synthetic hormone acetoxy‑medroxiprogesterone in one of Frialto’s shipments.

The embargo is described as preventive and temporary while the companies trace the affected batches and implement corrective actions. Frialto said it cut production at the Matupá unit by 40 % and is redirecting meat to other markets such as the United States, Mexico, the European Union and several Arab and Asian countries. The Brazilian Beef Exporters Association (Abiec) confirmed the measure and noted that Brazil’s sanitary system is among the world’s strictest, with oversight by the Federal Inspection Service (SIF).

The suspension comes as China simultaneously reinstated three other Brazilian plants—JBS in Mozarlândia (Goiás), Frisa in Nanuque (Minas Gerais) and Bon‑Mart in Presidente Prudente (São Paulo)—which had been under embargo since March 2025. Brazil has more than 100 processors authorized to ship beef to China, its largest beef market.