For the first time in two decades, Brazilian meat will no longer be available on Albanian tables or in supermarket refrigerators, with a ban on imports set to take effect on September 3, 2026.

The move follows a European Union decision concerning the import of animal products from Brazil. EU member-state experts unanimously backed the measure, citing concerns over the use of veterinary drugs that can increase muscle mass in animals.

According to Top Channel, Albania’s Ministry of Agriculture has instructed the National Food Authority (AKU) on how to implement the new restrictions and has ordered the agency to notify businesses importing beef and poultry from Brazil about the changes.

The ministry said the new rules directly affect Albania’s existing import requirements, which link the authorization of animal-product imports to EU approval of production zones and establishments.

“AKU must take all necessary measures to notify business operators importing beef and poultry meat from Brazil about the above changes, the implementation of which begins on September 3, 2026,” the ministry said in its written instruction.

Brazil has been Albania’s main meat supplier since 2006, providing beef, pork and poultry that have also been a key source for the country’s meat-processing industry.

According to World Bank WITS data, Albania imported $28.5 million worth of meat and edible meat offal from Brazil in 2024. Of that amount, $10.1 million consisted of poultry meat and related products.

The new restrictions are expected to affect both meat importers and Albania’s food-processing sector, which has relied heavily on Brazilian supplies for nearly two decades.