Why Brazil's Tainted-Meat Probe Worries the World: QuickTake Q&A

Though Brazil has generated more than its share of scandal and corruption allegations recently, a new probe into sales of tainted meat there has sent shock waves far and wide. The so-called Weak Flesh investigation has generated allegations of widespread bribery and sales of bad meat both at home and overseas. In response, a number of countries temporarily banned or curbed beef and poultry imports from Brazil, the world’s largest exporter of both.

Investigators say they have evidence that 21 meat companies bribed government inspectors to approve sales and exports, even when the meat and poultry was contaminated or spoiled. Thirty-three federal inspectors are being investigated, according to the Agriculture Ministry.