December 28, 2020

Taiwan's parliament approves imports of US pork with ractopamine

Taiwan's parliament had approved measures that allow for imports of pork from the United States containing ractopamine, a leanness-enhancing additive, despite objections from Taiwan's main opposition party the Kuomintang (KMT), Reuters reported.

Since Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen said the government would allow imports of US pork with ractopamine in August, the KMT has protested the government's plans as they say the move is a health risk.

Ractopamine is banned in China and the European Union.

The government said allowing imports of pork with ractopamine will bring Taiwan in line with international norms, and that the public is not forced to consume the pork. Major Taiwanese food companies have pledged not to sell pork containing ractopamine.

Taiwan Premier Su Tseng-chang said the government will protect the health of the public, adding that they have seen that importers publicly declare that they will not import pork with ractopamine.

The KMT aborted plans to hold public protests against the parliament's decision after Taiwan reported its first COVID-19 locally transmitted case since April.

The Taiwan government hopes that easing US pork imports will result in a future free trade deal with the US.

Taiwan's pork consumption average per capita is around 40 kg. Most pork consumed in the country is sourced domestically.

- Reuters