Brussels, Sept. 3, 2026 (Lusa) - Portugal is set to undergo three audits in 2027 on animal health and plant protection, according to the European Commission's programme on food safety, animal health and welfare, which was published on Thursday.

Audits are scheduled to take place in Portugal in 2027 on vector-borne diseases and the monitoring of the health status regarding Aujeszky's disease, in the area of animal health, and on the sustainable use of pesticides within the scope of plant protection.

The programme also covers import controls; the Commission has published a programme on plant health and import controls, particularly from Brazil, focusing especially on residues and contaminants (pesticides in fruit and vegetables) and the food safety of poultry meat.

Today, the European Union suspends imports of beef and poultry from Brazil, with Brussels seeking further assurances regarding compliance with EU food safety standards.

According to information from the Commission, 58 on-the-spot export-related audits in third countries are planned for 2027.

This represents a 107% increase compared with the number carried out in 2025.

Furthermore, with eight audits planned for 2027, the number of audits of import controls at European border control posts will increase by 60% compared with 2025.

The aim of these audits, carried out in member states, candidate countries and countries exporting to the EU, is to ensure that the health of citizens across the 27 member states is protected through the effective application of and compliance with EU food safety rules.

IG/ADB // ADB.

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