Brazilian President Michel Temer defended his country's meat on Friday amid scandal, saying "it is the best in the world."

In a ceremony to mark the opening of new home under the government's housing program, the president said Brazilian meat was "not weak" in an allusion to "Weak Flesh," the name of the Federal Police operation to uncover the scheme.

"Brazil's meat is not weak. It is the best in the world," he said.

Brazil is having difficulties in exporting its meat products following a scandal involving several meatpacking companies accused of adulterating expired food and paying hefty bribes to government inspectors to turn a blind eye.

Uproar has erupted after the fallout, as some of the companies accused are part of the largest processed meat brands in Brazil. The European Union and some other countries suspended imports of all Brazilian meat.

Temer also said the losses suffered by the sector are being mitigated, thanks to the quick action of a government team handling the issue, including Agriculture Minister Blairo Maggi and Foreign Relations Minister Aloysio Nunes.

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