China has lifted an embargo on beef imports from Brazil three years after a cow in the country tested positive for mad-cow disease.

By next month, Beijing is set to have approved imports from 26 slaughterhouses in Brazil, the Brazilian Agriculture Ministry said yesterday (19 May).

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Nine of the plants have already received approval, the ministry said.

Brazilian Agriculture Minister Katia Abreu said Beijing had pledged to release the remaining 17 plants in June, during her planned official visit to China. "I gave all documentation in English for the minister. He left here with the promise of quick cooperation," she said.

Sales from the 26 plants could generate US$520m in sales, the ministry added.

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