Paraguay: Pig producers denounce contraband meat from Brazil, warn of supermarket arrivals

Paraguay's pig producers are sounding the alarm over a surge in alleged contraband meat entering the country from Brazil. The Paraguayan Association of Pig Producers (APPC) has filed a formal complaint with the Public Ministry and alerted the National Directorate of Tax Revenue (DNIT) about the suspected illegal entry of live pigs and pork products.

The association warns that meat of dubious origin is reportedly already reaching supermarket shelves and butcher shops, particularly in the interior of the country. Producers claim that this influx of low-cost, unregulated meat is severely impacting their livelihoods.

Robert Bento, president of the APPC, explained that the situation has become "chaotic" for small and medium-sized producers. He stated that markets and local butcher shops are "flooded with meat at very low cost, outside of a reasonable price for producers." Bento highlighted a stark price difference, with live weight pork being offered to producers at G. 8,750 per kilogram, while it is allegedly being sold in some supermarkets for as low as G. 6,000 per kilogram.

The APPC's complaint to the Prosecutor's Office details suspicions that the contraband loads are entering primarily through Brazil's borders in the departments of Amambay, Canindeyú, and Alto Paraná. The association questions how these shipments are bypassing official customs controls at various points, including the Friendship Bridge border crossing and checkpoints in Minga Guazú and Katueté.

Producers are concerned about the lack of sanitary controls and traceability for the contraband meat, which they say poses a risk to public health and undermines legitimate businesses. They are urging authorities to take decisive action to combat the illegal trade and protect the local industry.

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Los frigoríficos nos están ofertando a G. 8.750 el kilo vivo y en algunos supermercados se está vendiendo a G. 6.000 el kilo.