May 17, 2021

Taiwan to hold pork referendum in August

Taiwan's election commission approved referendum vote by the public to be held in August 28, 2021 t to decide whether to ban pork containing ractopamine, The Asahi Shimbun reported.

The referendum was one of three referendums approved by Taiwan's election commission, which could affect Taiwan's relationship with the United States.

For a referendum to be passed in Taiwan, there must be a turnout of 25% of the 19 million eligible voters with a majority voting "yes".

The Taiwan government approved pork containing ractopamine, a leanness-enhancing additive that is banned in China and the European Union but is widely used in the United States.

The move was objected by Taiwan's main opposition party, the Kuomintang due to safety issues. Major Taiwan food companies have pledged not to sell or import pork containing ractopamine.

A referendum to approve the measure will open the way for a free trade agreement with the United States.

- The Asahi Shimbun