Uruguay strengthens sanitary controls to protect meat export chain to China

Uruguay has announced stricter controls and sampling at its meat processing plants after traces of tick-killing medication were found in a shipment of beef returning from China .

The measure aims to protect traceability, health reputation and logistical continuity of trade flows, which account for more than 60% of the sector's exports.

Deputy Minister of Livestock, Agriculture, and Fisheries Matias Karambula confirmed that monitoring at meat processing plants will be strengthened, and sanctions will be toughened if contamination is detected to ensure compliance with international standards. "China is a key market, and incidents like these require us to redouble our efforts across the entire supply chain," he stated.

Strategic business partner

In 2024 , Uruguay exported 240,000 tons of beef and beef by-products to   China  , strengthening its position as the country's primary export market. This volume represents approximately 6% of Uruguay's total beef exports, highlighting the logistical and economic importance of the bilateral relationship.

This incident, although isolated, triggered alerts throughout the supply chain, from rural farms to ports of origin. Uruguayan authorities confirmed two previous cases—one this year and one in 2024—leading to the immediate implementation of enhanced monitoring and traceability systems.

Increased sample size and new sanctions

Diego Dominguez, Director of the Department of Livestock, announced a 20% increase in sampling, focusing on the acaricide fluazuron detected in the batch. Monitoring will focus on areas with a high prevalence of ticks, a parasite that infects livestock and is part of the national tick eradication plan launched in August.

Furthermore, the Ministry will impose stricter sanctions: the detection of drug residues above permitted levels will be considered a "serious offense," with fines proportionate to the damage to health and commercial gains. Furthermore, training programs on the responsible use of veterinary drugs, essential for maintaining the quality and traceability of Uruguayan meat, will be strengthened.

Dominguez emphasized that Uruguay has one of the most effective animal health monitoring programs in the region, conducting over 8,000 samples annually, twice as many as other Latin American countries. "Uruguay currently has access to 87% of the world's beef markets, and they all audit our waste management plan," he noted. This case demonstrated the interdependence between animal health, export logistics, and global competitiveness. (Photo: Shutterstock)

Logistics and Reputation: Two Pillars of Competitiveness

This case highlighted the interdependence between animal health, export logistics, and global competitiveness. A health-related incident can lead to delays, returns, or suspensions of shipments, which directly impacts the efficiency of international transport and the image of the exporting country.

In this sense, strengthening controls not only meets public health needs but is also driven by the need to ensure the continuity of the supply chain and avoid additional costs. Each return of goods entails rerouting, increased storage costs, and contract adjustments, affecting the entire value chain—from manufacturers to port operators.

The Chinese authorities' decision not to temporarily suspend operations at meat processing plants was seen as a sign of confidence in Uruguay's health system, although a technical report detailing the reasons for the discovery of the malfunction and the corrective measures taken was requested.

A common problem in the region

The incident also renews the debate about the need to strengthen traceability and sanitary control systems in South America, where meat exports are a key source of foreign exchange and employment. Trust in the international market is based on transparency and consistency in logistics and food safety protocols.

Uruguay, renowned for its individual cattle traceability system , which is a benchmark in the region, aims to strengthen its leadership by strengthening the value chain from field to port, guaranteeing safety and efficiency at every stage.

With these measures, the country intends to fully restore meat exports to China while maintaining its position as a reliable and competitive supplier in key global markets.