In addition to the series of assessments of the beef production system, the audit covered certification systems and controls on hazardous substance residues.

Paraguay's National Animal Health and Quality Service (Senacsa) recalled that the audit carried out by the Directorate General of Health and Food Safety of the European Union was conducted from September 9 to 24, 2024, in order to evaluate official controls and certification systems on the production of beef and casings for export to the European bloc.

"The process of evaluating the results of the audit carried out by the Directorate General for Health and Food Safety of the European Union in September 2024 has been successfully concluded," the agency said.

He also mentioned that the audit was carried out within the framework of the process of renewing Paraguay's authorization for exports of beef and tripe from the European Union.

In addition to the series of assessments of the beef production system, the audit covered certification systems and controls on residues of pharmacologically active substances, pesticides and contaminants.

It was concluded that the local system of official controls in local establishments is comprehensive and capable of providing assurance that the relevant EU standards are met.

Until last January, the European bloc represented 2% of all national exports of beef and offal, which reached US$ 184,700,889 equivalent to 52,542,454 kilograms, according to the latest Senacsa report.

UPCOMING AUDITS

Next, on the audit calendar, the arrival in Paraguay of a delegation from Singapore, another important and competitive meat market at an international level, is scheduled for March 2, according to José Carlos Martin, head of Senacsa, in a recent interview with ABC .

Another Asian market in Senacsa's sights is the Philippines, whose evaluation was concluded last year with very promising results, so they do not rule out a new visit in the coming months.