Uruguay: Ministry of Livestock, Agriculture and Fisheries tightens controls after meat returns from China

Together with the Directorate General of Animal Husbandry (DGSG), the MGAP issued Regulation No. 311/2025, which established that the presence of residues of ectoparasiticidal veterinary drugs in the body of cattle intended for slaughter, if the established limits of permissible levels are observed, will lead to more serious economic consequences and the suspension of activities.

The measure was adopted in response to a request from the General Administration of Customs of the People's Republic of China, which asked Uruguay to take measures to prevent the recurrence of similar drugs. The document stated that the discovery of such drugs could impact the country's position in international markets.

What are the disadvantages?

The sanctions established by the resolution include, on the one hand, economic sanctions of 14,400 index units (UI), equivalent to approximately US $2,300 , for violations related to the collection of authorized assets in excess of permitted limits or the improper use of registered veterinary drugs. The amount may be increased in the event of repeated violations.

On the other hand, the use of unauthorized active ingredients or products not registered with the Veterinary Laboratories Department can result in a fine of up to 26,000 IU (approximately US$4,100), which is considered a very serious offense. In addition to the financial penalties, preventive suspension of livestock movement for up to 90 days may be imposed, and for repeat offenders, up to 180 days.

Concerns in the sector

Following the incident, the Federation of Agriculture (FR) and the National Meat Institute (INAC) expressed concern about the situation. INAC President Gastón Scaloya questioned the incident and stated that Uruguay could not afford to make such a mistake.

"This case was uncovered. It happens quite often, but given Uruguay's global reputation for production, reliability, and transparency, as well as the entire INAC institutional structure, which encompasses the entire supply chain and is a source of global prestige, such things should not happen to us," he emphasized.

In this regard, the institute's president expressed regret about the potential consequences of discrediting Uruguay. "The problem is whether this will discredit Uruguay on global markets. After all, if global markets learn that the country produces meat and that it contains residues, one day they'll tell us, 'I'm not buying from you anymore.' And that's the only risk Uruguay can't take, since we export 80% of our production," he commented.

The Rural Federation also called on veterinarians and producers to adhere to the established waiting periods. "In light of the discovery in China of a beef batch containing residues of the tickicide fluaruzone, we urge everyone to take maximum precautions to comply with the established waiting periods for veterinary drugs," the statement emphasized.

“The correct use of these ingredients, within the stated expiration dates, is crucial to ensuring food safety, protecting public health, and maintaining the confidence of international markets in our products,” he added, concluding: “We remind you that the quality and reputation of Uruguayan meat depend on the commitment of all participants in the production chain.”