Cheap drug-pumped Brazilian beef might quickly flood Britain after the EU blocked imports

Farmers warn they could be undercut by a wave of lower-cost South American meat as exporters look for new buyers after Brussels tightened its import rules

Cheap drug-pumped Brazilian beef could soon flood Britain after the EU blocked imports over antibiotic fears. Farmers warn they could be undercut by a wave of lower-cost South American meat as exporters look for new buyers after Brussels tightened its import rules.

From next month, the EU will ban beef from cattle treated with antibiotics to help bulk them up quicker. Brazil is yet to provide guarantees that its exports comply with the new rules.

British producers fear the UK could become the next big target for Brazilian exporters, piling fresh pressure on an industry already battling rising costs and fierce competition.

Much of Brazil’s beef comes from vast feedlots, where cattle are intensively reared and fed to pile on weight quickly before being sent for slaughter.

Tony Goodger, of the Association of Independent Meat Suppliers, said: “This is quite a worry for farmers as they fear being undercut and they are under so many other pressures at the moment.”

Brazil is one of the world’s biggest beef exporters and the loss of access to the lucrative European market could force producers to look elsewhere to sell their meat.

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) insisted it was keeping a close eye on the situation and would not hesitate to act if British farmers or consumers were put at risk.

A Defra spokesman said: “We are actively working with industry and Brazilian authorities to assess any risks posed by Brazilian beef imports and will always act to protect our farmers. This builds on our existing, world-leading import controls which are in place to protect animal and public health.”

Government officials are expected to spend the coming months assessing the impact of the EU’s decision before any move is made on future imports.