Brasilia, March 26 (IANS): China, one of the first countries to suspend imports of Brazilian meat following revelations that companies were selling unsafe produce for years, has decided to fully reopen its market, a top minister said.

"China has announced the complete reopening of its market to Brazilian meat. This categorically certifies the solidity and quality of Brazil's sanitation system," Brazilian Agriculture Minister Blairo Maggi said in a statement on Saturday.

China is one of the leading markets for meat processed in Brazil, the world's leading beef and poultry exporter and fourth-leading pork exporter, Efe news reported.

Chilean authorities, meanwhile, announced on Saturday that they had decided to end a total ban on imports of Brazilian beef and limit the restriction to products from the 21 processing plants cited in the investigation.

Authorities said investigators have found violations at 21 Brazilian meatpacking plants.

The scandal was triggered by a huge police operation last week that found evidence that meat-packers had been selling rotten and substandard produce for several years.

The evidence found include the use of chemicals to disguise the look and smell of expired meat and payment of bribes to inspectors to ensure shipments of adulterated products.