February 13, 2013

US urges Russia to lift meat trade ban

Due to the feed additive ractopamine and to honour the commitments it made last year when it joined the World Trade Organisation, the US urged Russia to immediately lift a ban on imports of US meat products.

"The US is very disappointed that Russia has taken action to suspend all imports of US meat, which is produced to the highest safety standards in the world," US Trade Representative Ron Kirk and US Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said in a joint statement.

The ban, which went into effect on Monday (Feb 4), has been in the works for weeks. It stems from Russia's concern over the use of ractopamine, a growth stimulant used in US beef, pork and poultry product to make meat leaner.

Some countries ban the additive out of concern that trace elements could remain in the meat and cause health problems. However, the UN food safety body, the Codex Alimentarius Commission, in July said the additive had "no impact on human health" if residue stays within recommended levels.

"Russia's failure to adopt the Codex standard raises questions about its commitment to the global trading system," Kirk and Vilsack said.

"Despite repeated US requests to discuss the safety of ractopamine, Russia has refused to engage in any constructive dialogue and instead has simply suspended US meat imports. The US calls on Russia to restore market access for US meat and meat products immediately and to abide by its obligations as a Member of the World Trade Organisation."