September 12, 2020

Chiayi city diverts from Taiwan's national policy on ractopamine in US pork imports

Chiayi City in Taiwan has decided to amend its local ordinances to require zero ractopamine in pork imports from the US, going against the new national policy to open the country to US pork containing ractopamine effective Jan. 1, 2021, Taiwan News reported.

The city's decision led Premier Su Tseng-chang to call for unity between the central government and local municipalities and warn against subverting the policy, as per report.

 He also said the government would strictly enforce inspections and clear labeling to ensure food safety.

But Chiayi Mayor Huang Min-hui defended the city's decision, stressing that as a mother, she cannot bear to see the importation of any food item that is harmful to consumers' health, especially since pork is a staple of the Taiwanese diet.

The Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW) had announced that the allowable level of leanness-enhancing feed additive ractopamine for kidneys and livers is .04ppm, while the level for meat, lard, and other parts is .01ppm.

Back in 2012, former President Ma Ying-jeou opened up the Taiwanese market to US beef with ractopamine.

Last Aug. 28, President Tsai Ing-wen also announced the lifting of the ban on imported US beef from cattle aged over 30 months also starting Jan. 1, 2021.