Brazilian supermarkets stopped purchasing Amasonas meat

Brazilian grocery store chains promised to shun meat produced in controversial cattle farms in endangered Amazon forests but failed to set a deadline.

The supermarkets' much publicized supportive action is aimed at curbing cattle farms that have sprung up in Brazil's endangered rainforest, increasing the risk of deforestation.

Critics of the rain forest industrial development say powerful vested interests are baring vast Amazonian nature reserves with impunity and setting up cattle ranches and other production facilities.

Typical of Brazil's lopsided law enforcement, as evidenced in continued existence of huge favela slum settlements in urban centers including Rio de Janeiro, business interests continue to cut down the jungle and build factories for meat and other farm produce.