February 23, 2012

 

Taiwanese activists dispute US beef imports

 

 

At the US mission in Taipei Wednesday (Feb 22), Taiwan activists protested against US beef imports treated with a controversial growth drug, adding that anti-American sentiment could erupt if Washington pushes for it.

 

Dozens gathered outside the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT), the de facto embassy in the absence of formal ties, to voice concern over an alleged US decision to link existing beef restrictions to free trade talks.

 

They were especially worried that it could lead to the import of beef containing ractopamine, a controversial feed additive used to promote leanness in animals raised for meat.

 

The ingredient is banned by Taiwan, China and European Union due to human health risk concerns but allowed by 26 countries, including the US, Canada and Brazil.

 

"We strongly opposed the United States trying to force Taiwan to remove the ban," Lo Mei-wen, the leader of the group, told reporters outside the AIT.

 

He warned "anti-American sentiment is likely to snowball" if the US continues to press for the removal of the ban.

 

Last year, Taiwan pulled from the market US meat with the growth drug, which is sold under the brand name Optaflexx for use with cattle and Paylean for use with pigs.

 

A senior Taiwanese official said earlier this month that stalled free trade talks hinge on the easing of beef import restrictions.

 

Negotiations on the proposed Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA) have been dormant since mid-2007, when Taiwan reintroduced a ban on US bovine offal and ground beef amid a scare over mad cow disease.

 

Taiwan, like many other governments, banned US beef imports in December 2003 after mad cow disease was detected in an American herd but relaxed the rules in 2006 to allow imports of boneless beef.

 

Taiwan moved in October 2009 to allow US beef on the bone, cow organs and minced beef, but the decision was overturned after a public outcry.