A 681% increase in Brazilian beef imports into Ireland has been labelled a matter of ‘very significant concern’ by Aontú. 

In 2016, only 22 tonnes of Brazilian beef were imported into Ireland, whereas last year, the figure stood at 172 tonnes. 

Overall beef imports into Ireland during the same period rose from 30,841 to 40,977, a 33% increase in the space of a decade. 

On Newstalk Breakfast, Aontú TD Paul Lawless said the figures revealed a “very significant trajectory” with regards to beef imports. 

“For example, the Brazilian beef that's coming in has increased in the region of about 700%,” he said. 

“There are very significant concerns here and those concerns primarily relate to the fact that Brazilian beef is produced with a growth hormone known as estradiol.

“This is a carcinogenic product that is widely banned and has been banned across the European Union for a very, very long time.” 

Brazilian beef cows. Picture by: Alamy.com.

The Mayo TD continued that he said that he fears that much of the Brazilian beef imported into Ireland might not be safe to eat. 

“At the end of 2025, early ‘26, there was a Brazilian recall of 128 kilograms of beef that was subject to a recall,” he said. 

“And it was subject to a recall because of a very dangerous growth hormone that was found in the beef.

“Now, the department officials were unable to tell the Iraqi Committee where that beef was distributed, where it was consumed.” 

Deputy Lawless added that given that roughly 90% of Irish beef is exported, there is no need to import beef from the South American country as the Republic has “more than enough to supply our own country." 

Concern about the quality of Brazilian food imports played a significant part in the Irish Government’s decision to oppose the EU’s Mercosur trade deal, following sustained lobbying by Irish farmers. 

Ultimately, most of the EU’s member states supported the agreement and provisional application will begin on 1st May.

Main image: Brazilian beef cows. Picture by: Alamy.com.