Conflict of jurisdiction between health and agriculture agencies in the inspection and supervision of butcheries in the state of Sao Paulo

Abstract

This article addressed the existing conflict of jurisdiction between health and agriculture agencies regarding the inspection and supervision of butcheries in the state of São Paulo, with the presentation of the elements responsible for this conflict, the routine activities in which it becomes noticeable, its effects and the possible solutions for its elimination. Bibliographic review and research of existing legislation on the subject were carried out, as well as a jurisprudential survey at the Court of Justice of the State of São Paulo. It was possible to conclude that the conflict exists due to the absence of legal definitions and delimitations for the activities performed by establishments supervised by health and agriculture agencies. The main victims are the health authorities who, acting under legal uncertainty, have their activity susceptible to questions. The population itself suffers direct consequences from this conflict, insofar as the constitutional guarantees to the appropriate supervisory process are not observed. The solution involves measures such as the creation of infraconstitutional laws that establish limits between the activities of butcheries and warehouses and the reorganization of existing infraconstitutional norms; the change in the composition of the Brazilian Unified Health System, allowing collaborative work between the Ministries of Health and Agriculture, as well as the delimitation of the duties and responsibilities of each agency; the creation of municipal inspection services in all municipalities; and the incorporation of part of the activity performed by the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Food Supply to the National Health Surveillance Agency.