Brazil is an important case study of food safety policies because it is the eighth largest economy in the world in terms of Gross Domestic Product. Analysis of the policy and quality management initiatives of the Brazilian government shows that recent activities are more strongly oriented toward assuring access to international markets than to assuring the safety of food sold in domestic markets. This orientation has important implications for agribusiness firms operating in Brazil. Consumer awareness and consumer protection activities are increasing within the Brazilian economy, often with government support. However, developments in Brazil's food safety policy are likely to continue to emphasize quality assurance for the export market.