URUGUAY’s first shipment of halal-certified beef has arrived in Malaysia, following the approval in July by authorities for the export to this market.

It was also the start of a new chapter for the South American country’s four-century tradition of beef excellence and its production of premium, sustainable meat.

To commemorate this milestone, the Uruguayan Embassy and the National Meat Institute of Uruguay (INAC) hosted a celebratory event at Luen Heng Food and Beverage Sdn Bhd’s premises in Sungai Besi, Kuala Lumpur.

The event brought together chefs, restaurateurs, distributors and private sector stakeholders for an exclusive tasting of the first shipment of Uruguayan beef.

INAC market access development head Christian Shaw said Uruguay was renowned for its beef production.

“More than 80% of the territory is dedicated to livestock and the institute has high regard for the industry’s sanitary standards.

“Our beef has no antibiotics or hormones, is free-range and grass-fed, with mandatory traceability.

“Malaysia is an important market for us due to the demand for halal products and the growing popularity in the local market,” he said.

Uruguay deputy foreign affairs minister Valeria Csukasi, who was also present, said this year marked a new milestone as they had obtained the halal certification for two Uruguayan meat establishments.

At the event, guests tried the Angus beef tenderloin, which is renowned for its exceptional marbling and tenderness, as well as the Angus beef rib-eye which had a bold flavour and succulence.

The beef was seared to perfection, leaving a pink, medium-rare meat that was both tender and succulent.