In an exclusive interview with TheDailyObserver, Mr Greene said what the government has implemented are restrictions and not an outright ban of the Brazilian exports.

“There is a national (platform) sub-structure that is now co-ordinating efforts to ensure that there is no slippage or slipping through of any food items, poultry and meats from the destination in question that could result in damage to the health of Antiguans & Barbudans,” Mr Greene said.

The trade minister said a meeting is scheduled for Thursday, 6 April, with officials from the departments of health, agriculture, trade and customs to determine whether or not the restrictions on the South American nation’s products are to be removed.

“The stakeholder groups mentioned, we [will] wrap our heads together collectively to ensure that the safety of consumers here in Antigua and Barbuda is under control,” Mr Greene said.

Upon arrival, the customs department will monitor those containers, the importers themselves have a national responsibility to their consumers/buyers … [who] are also a part of what is happening,” Mr Greene said.

Meanwhile, several countries including China, Egypt and Chile have resumed the importation of poultry and meat products from Brazil.