Scientists find beef imports into Europe largely safe
The presence of foodborne pathogens in raw beef imported into the European Union is low, according to a study.
Microbiological quality of 100 raw beef samples sent to the EU was investigated. Samples of beef imported from November 2021 to May 2022 were collected at the Border Control Post of Hamburg Harbor in Germany. In total, 53 samples came from Brazil, 33 from Argentina, 12 from Uruguay, and two from Paraguay.
In 2021, there were 283,729 tons of beef imported into the EU, representing an increase of 26 percent compared to 2020. The main suppliers were Brazil, Uruguay, and Argentina.
Beef is occasionally consumed raw or not fully heated. This means the risk of ingesting viable pathogens either directly or indirectly through cross-contamination increases, according to the study published in the journal Food Control.
“Our findings highlight the importance of adhering to hygienic conditions throughout the meat production and transport chain in order to ensure a hygienically sound product even after long transportation and storage times,” said researchers.
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