September 14, 2020

Taiwan's Kuomintang starts referendum on import of US pork containing ractopamine

A referendum on Taiwan's recent approval of importing US pork containing ractopamine is the appropriate way for the public to express its opinion on the matter, said New Taipei City Mayor Hou You-yi on September 13.

The Kuomintang party has started the referendum process across the country to oppose the decision, but outsiders believe the move may have come too late. The government will permit imports of pork grown with ractopamine on New Year's Day, Liberty Times reported.

Hou said that a recent poll shows about 70% of Taiwanese are against the decision and are concerned about related health risks. He added that Taiwan must strive to protect public health and implement stringent food safety checks.

- Taiwan News