Chinese mission to visit Brazil state hit by bird flu outbreak, JBS CEO says

By Roberto Samora

SAO PAULO, Sept 10 (Reuters) - A Chinese delegation is expected to visit the southern Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Sul which was hit by a bird flu outbreak in May, raising hopes Brazil may resume selling poultry products to its top buyer soon.

Gilberto Tomazoni, CEO of the world's largest meat company JBS Z98.F, said at an industry event on Wednesday that the visit will be to verify the state's sanitary conditions after the bird flu outbreak reported by authorities triggered trade bans.

Tomazoni said China may resume buying Brazilian poultry products, but added that negotiations are still pending after the outbreak, which was controlled in June.

"I understand that a Chinese mission is coming to Rio Grande do Sul this month," said Tomazoni. "I believe that China will also open up."

When asked if he believes China will resume buying chicken products from Brazil this month, he said yes, adding, however, that "this is something we can't control."