Israel Cancels Approval for Frozen Chicken Imports from Brazil Amid Safety Concerns

On Sunday, Dr. Sergio Dolev, head of Israel's Veterinary Services, officially revoked the approval for importing frozen chicken from Brazil. In a letter to the Agriculture Ministry titled "Cancellation of Brazil's Approval to Export Chicken to Israel," Dolev removed the Brazilian plant JBS from the list of authorized exporters, effectively halting all Brazilian chicken imports. This decision reverses the prior authorization granted by his predecessor, who recently resigned.

The original approval had planned to open the Israeli market to Brazilian frozen chicken imports starting June 16, marking the first time Israel would allow such imports. The Agriculture Ministry had supported the move, citing potential reductions in living costs. However, the decision faced opposition from local poultry farmers, many located near the Lebanese border, who argued for protecting domestic producers.

The cancellation follows the European Union's recent announcement banning all Brazilian chicken imports from September due to concerns over Brazilian slaughterhouses failing to meet Western hygiene and regulatory standards. This EU ban sparked controversy in Israel, as the country initially moved to open its market despite government statements aligning Israeli standards with European ones.

The import ban significantly impacts Baladi, an Israeli meat importer listed on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange, which had positioned Brazilian chicken imports as a key growth driver. In September 2024, Baladi signed a deal with a Brazilian supplier to import kosher chicken products and committed 21 million shekels to establish kosher production lines in Brazil. Meanwhile, Israeli poultry farmers, supported by the Histadrut labor union, filed a petition with the Administrative Court challenging the initial approval process, claiming procedural irregularities.

Most Israeli consumers prefer fresh chicken, with frozen imports mainly targeting institutional markets such as catering companies, event halls, restaurants, and hospitals. The Agriculture Ministry stated that the cancellation was based on a reassessment of Brazil's production oversight capabilities and the need to ensure food safety and animal welfare. The ministry remains open to resuming the approval process if Brazilian authorities demonstrate compliance, with Israeli veterinary experts ready to conduct thorough inspections. The ministry emphasized its commitment to expanding import sources to complement local production while maintaining strict safety standards.