The controversy has gained ground in recent days, as progress is being made towards closing an agreement between the European Union and Mercosur, something that is being strongly opposed by France, in particular.

Brazil's Minister of Agriculture and Livestock, Carlos Fávaro, has shown his full support for the country's meat industry sector on Monday for its decision to stop selling its products to Carrefour in Brazil, in response to statements by the French chain's general manager, Alexandre Bompard, regarding the purchase of meat products from Mercosur countries.

"We support the industry's reaction; if Brazil is not suitable for placing its meat in Carrefour in France, it is not suitable for placing it in Carrefour in Brazil," said the minister of the sector, who last week already expressed his rejection of the words of the French executive.

For the government, it is important to show "the pride to respond" to this declaration of intent by Carrefour, which has cast doubt on the quality of Brazilian meat "using health and environmental pretexts."

"We will not allow the quality of our meat to be questioned. We reaffirm the sector's commitment to responsible, sustainable production and food safety," Fávaro said.

Last Wednesday, the head of the French chain said that they understood "the anger of farmers" at the possible agreement with Mercosur and, in response to this concern, he said that Carrefour wants to make a common front with the agricultural world and assume the commitment of not selling any meat from Mercosur.

The controversy surrounding Carrefour and Brazilian cattle farmers has gained ground in recent days, as progress is being made on closing an agreement between the European Union and Mercosur, something that is being strongly opposed by France, in particular.

The industry's retaliatory measure deprives Carrefour of meat to sell in its stores in Brazil, which the company acknowledged in a statement on Sunday. However, the chain has maintained that there is no shortage of meat at the moment.