Contaminated soybeans are turned into organic fertilizer

Federal agricultural inspectors participated in a large and complex operation throughout this week to dispose of a shipment that showed signs of intentional adulteration, including bird feces and dead rodents. Approximately 7 tons of soybeans and soybean meal seized in April are being transformed into organic fertilizer, in a process that involves approximately 150 trips by double-decker trucks to a composting facility in Araras, São Paulo. 

The action, which highlights the professionals' focus on combating irregularities and protecting foreign trade, is closely monitored by agricultural engineers, zootechnicians, and veterinarians, who ensure the correct and safe disposal of the material.

According to the National Union of Federal Agricultural Auditors (Anffa Sindical), the cargo was seized at the Port of Paranaguá, Paraná. Among the irregularities were the presence of sand, signs of intentional adulteration, and poor sanitary conditions, such as accumulation of product without separation, puddles of water, and animal remains, as well as a lack of documented traceability. 

Integrated operation

The severity of the problem required a thorough inspection operation and the adoption of measures to prevent risks to the production chain and public health. The case is currently being processed in the 13th Federal Court of Curitiba. Although the disposal has already been carried out by court order, investigations to determine the responsibilities of all those involved continue.

Henrique Pedro Dias, Director of Professional Policy at Anffa Sindical, participated in the operation to transform soybeans into fertilizer. According to Dias, the operation aims to prevent fraud and preserve consumer relations, in addition to ensuring the safety of the exported domestic product. Thus, transforming the cargo into organic fertilizer is justified given the impossibility of exporting and domestic consumption.

He also explains that professionals from the Vigifronteiras Program and the Plant Health and Input Inspection Service (SISV-SP) document each phase with photos and reports, ensuring full compliance with Brazilian legislation and international protocols. In addition to preventing the contaminated product from being reused, this action ensures an environmentally sound disposal, converting a health problem into a useful agricultural input.

"Vigifronteiras' work is to curb the transit and illegal trade of clandestine products that don't comply with regulations, in addition to interagency work. Our focus is on consumer relations, environmental issues, trade, and taxes. Therefore, we provide support to agencies such as the Federal Revenue Service and the police. Operations of this nature typically result in search, seizure, and arrest warrants. Therefore, we go beyond the administrative sphere, also working in the criminal, civil, and other spheres that have an impact on crime," highlighted the federal agricultural tax auditor.

Role of tax auditors

Anffa Sindical emphasizes the importance of preserving the physical and institutional safety of professionals during complex operations, ensuring they continue to act firmly, independently, and efficiently to protect plant health, public health, and the credibility of Brazilian agribusiness. Therefore, it reiterates the importance of investing in human resources, vehicles, and technology to ensure even greater efficiency in the activity.

"The work of federal agricultural inspectors is essential to protecting plant health, public health, and the credibility of Brazilian agribusiness. This operation demonstrates the strength of our profession, professionals who work with commitment and competence from the moment of seizure to final disposal. Our goal is to ensure that only products that comply with national and international standards reach the market, preserving Brazil's trust as a safe and quality supplier in global trade," stated Janus Pablo Macedo, president of Anffa Sindical.