Brazil and China will start sharing information on pests, diseases and toxic residues found in food of animal and plant origin exported or imported between the countries. The measure, agreed through a memorandum of understanding signed on May 13 in Beijing, aims to reduce health risks and avoid surprises in bilateral trade.

Currently, one of the main obstacles to food exports to China is the embargoes imposed by China due to contamination by pesticides or other health irregularities found by the Chinese authorities.

Under the agreement signed in Beijing, authorities on both sides will have to maintain a "timely" exchange of data on non-conformities found in products inspected on national territory. In practice, the new mechanism seeks to speed up technical communication between Brazil and China in the event of any irregularity detected in meat, grains, fruit or other agricultural products.

(Source: CNN Brasil, on May 13)