Minister: More Salmonella Found in Brazilian Meat in Slovakia

Bratislava, April 5 (TASR) – Slovak veterinary inspectors have found more evidence of salmonella in chicken meat imported from Brazil, Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Gabriela Matecna (a Slovak National Party/SNS nominee) announced after the Cabinet session on Wednesday.

The Salmonella Mbandaka bacteria was found in frozen Brazilian chicken liver in Prievidza (Trencin region). Last week, inspectors in Bratislava discovered the Salmonella Heidelberg bacteria in Brazilian chicken meat.

“Since the inspections were launched, inspectors of the State Veterinary and Food Directorate have already spotted seven cases of salmonella-tainted Brazilian meat. In six cases it concerned frozen chicken liver and in one case frozen chicken breast. Of 669 official inspections in total, 110 samples were taken, with immediate annihilation orders being released for 26 products,” said Matecna.

“It has also emerged during the inspections that letter-box companies with actual locations other than their official addresses have been involved in the distribution of meat,” said Matecna, adding that the police have also been notified of these findings.

“We’ll act tough and uncompromisingly against persons endangering the health of Slovak people. Protecting Slovak consumers is an absolute priority for us,” stressed the minister.

As much as 80 percent of Brazilian meat comes to Europe via the Netherlands, while Slovakia was the first country to launch inspections in response to the Brazilian rotten meat scandal. Based partly on the results of Slovak tests, the EU has called on its member states also to begin performing inspections on Brazilian meat. Meanwhile, salmonella has been found in Brazilian meat in the Netherlands and the Czech Republic.