In a statement yesterday, the ministry said the temporary restriction on both the import and retail sale of meat products from Brazil including corned beef, chicken patties and chicken nuggets was no longer in effect.

T&T's Guardian reports that the temporary restriction, which was imposed on 21 March, was lifted following clear and unambiguous assurances from the Brazilian government yesterday that addressed outstanding food-safety concerns.

The correspondence from Brazil’s Minister of Agriculture Blairo Maggi to Minister Clarence Rambharat confirmed there had been no exports of meat products to Trinidad and Tobago from any of the processing plants under investigation by Brazilian authorities.

In his correspondence, Maggi reiterated the Brazilian government’s rigorous audit and risk-assessment protocols for its meat products as they relate to food inspection and food quality.

Following the decision to lift the restriction on Brazilian meat imports, the Ministry of Agriculture has advised the Ministry of Health to discontinue the recall of meat products imported from Brazil prior to 21 March.

Importers, supermarkets and other wholesale and retail outlets are once more permitted to sell meat products imported from Brazil including corned beef, chicken patties and chicken nuggets originating from Brazil and imported into T&T prior to 21 March.

Also, with immediate effect, the Ministry of Agriculture will resume issuing import permits for meat products from Brazil.