Brasília, 25 (Agência Brasil - ABr) - Recently articles in British newspapers have accused Brazil of using drugs and antibiotics on animals the country exports. Minister of Agriculture, Pratini de Morais, strongly denied the accusations calling the articles "absolutely false. We do not use those drugs and antibiotics," said the minister.

Pratini de Morais added that "It is unacceptable for Brazil to be treated like a second-class nation. We are now a world leader in meat exports in terms of quality and sanitary controls. Our work is serious and we want it to be recognized as such."

"We need to export because of our foreign debt. And what happens is that we have to face a wave of protectionism based on sanitation standards. We will defend ourselves," said the minister. (AB)