The new regulations increased the scope of the National Plan of Residues and Contaminants Control (PNCRC) for the eggs sector, with the inclusion of substance controls required by potential export buyers from the productive sector in Brazil.

The inclusion became effective on Monday, with publication of the document in the Official Gazette by the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Supply.

A required prerequisite for strategic markets, the PNCRC establishes procedures for the analysis of product quality, in order to ensure compliance with international standards of minimum residues, determined by the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE).

"ABPA is committed to this job, which may help expand the export market for Brazil's eggs," said Francisco Turra, CEO of the association.

With the inclusion of new substances in the PNCRC, it will be possible for Brazil to request the opening of key markets, like the European Union and the United States - the latter of which has faced shortage of egg products due to the occurrence of avian influenza.

"With this, we are able to apply for equivalence with the criteria required by many major markets, enabling the expansion of exports in the sector," explained Ricardo Santin, vice president of poultry at ABPA and chairman of the board of the Brazil Egg Institute.