Minas Gerais Abattoir Fined Over R$35,000 for Selling Unfit Meat

A meat processing plant in Formiga, Minas Gerais, has been fined R$35,063.26 for selling meat deemed unfit for human consumption and for violating manufacturing, distribution, and presentation regulations. The penalty stems from an administrative process initiated after a joint operation involving the State Procon, the Military and Civil Police of Minas Gerais, and veterinarians at Bonoboi Alimentos Ltda. During the inspection, authorities discovered that the company had placed meat on the market that did not comply with established standards. The company argued that the products were marked for disposal and not for sale, but this defense was rejected by the 3rd Public Prosecutor's Office of Formiga. The prosecutor's office emphasized that consumer protection laws cover the entire product chain, including production, storage, packaging, and availability. Products unfit for consumption must be segregated, clearly identified, and formally rendered unusable or disposed of to prevent their re-entry into the consumer market. The State Procon had previously attempted to reach a consensual resolution through an Administrative Transaction Term, but the company explicitly declined the offer. Bonoboi Alimentos Ltda. did not respond to requests for comment.