So much for cheaper imported meat products.

After having granted permits to import processed meats from 7 plants in Brazil, the government decided to reverse the decision and suspend the imports in order to show “solidarity” to domestic producers.

The Panamanian Food Safety Authority “… taking into consideration denouncements from the productive sectors in the country, the Honorable Deputies of the Republic of Panama and other authorities, and in solidarity with this sector, which is of paramount national importance, has taken the decision to issue resolutions, through which the approval of the 7 processed meat plants in the Republic of Brazil are “suspended”, so that our authorities, who are committed to the domestic agricultural sector, can develop the best policies in this regard and contribute to strengthening these sectors.”

From a statement issued by the Panamanian Food Safety Authority:

The Panamanian Food Safety Authority is a state governing body that ensures compliance and enforcement of laws and regulations on the safety of food entering the national territory, under strict scientific and technical criteria.

Among its functions it is to approve the sanitary and phytosanitary eligibility of countries, regions, areas, production lines and / or plants for food exported to the Republic of Panama.