In a written answer on 29 June 2026, Commissioner Hansen rejected claims that the EU has relinquished control over the Mercosur meat import quota system, insisting that the bloc retains full management of tariff rate quotas (TRQs) and that existing food safety checks remain robust. The response aims to reassure European consumers and producers that the EU-Mercosur Interim Trade Agreement does not compromise health standards, despite concerns raised by Polish MEP Jadwiga Wiśniewska (ECR).
The answer addresses a parliamentary question submitted on 30 April 2026, in which Wiśniewska argued that the EU had handed over quota management to South American countries, citing a November 2025 case of Brazilian beef containing 17β-oestradiol, a banned carcinogen. She also questioned why changes to the quota system had not been made public and how product quality controls would be enforced.
Hansen clarified that the only element falling under Mercosur competence is the issuance of an accompanying document for imports under the TRQs, as required by Article 3.30 of the agreement. A model of that document was published in the Official Journal on 14 April 2026. He stressed that the agreement, implementing regulations, and the document were all officially published. The Commission also pointed to existing control frequencies: 100% documentary and identity checks on animal products, with physical checks ranging from 15% to 30% depending on the meat type. For Brazilian bovine meat, the physical check rate is set at 30%, rising to 50% for minced meat and preparations, and 100% for poultry meat. These rates can be increased if non-compliance exceeds thresholds.
The answer contains concrete references to legal bases and published documents, but offers no new numerical targets or deadlines. Its policy orientation is defensive: the Commission seeks to counter allegations of deregulation by reaffirming existing EU control mechanisms. No immediate institutional follow-up is signalled, though the answer may influence future scrutiny of the agreement's implementation in the European Parliament.
EU consumers gain reassurance on food safety standards, but the answer does not address concerns about the effectiveness of controls in practice. EU beef producers may remain wary of increased competition from Mercosur imports, while Mercosur exporters benefit from clearer administrative procedures. The European Commission preserves its institutional credibility by defending the agreement's legal framework.