US urges Taiwan to lift ban on US meats
In response to a US report urging Taiwan to fully open its market to US pork and beef, Taiwan’s government stated food safety and the rights of their local farmers are important considerations for determining whether to participate in international trade deals. In the report the US said it will continue to urge Taiwan to remove its ban on US pork and beef products.
The import of US meats is a controversial issue in Taiwan-US relations, as Taiwan has been insistent on barring meat products from the US that contain traces of the leanness-enhancing veterinary drug ractopamine on account of its potential health hazards. Alex Huang, Presidential Office spokesman said Taiwan will conduct risk assessments based on scientific evidence and international regulations to ensure food safety in the country, reported Taiwan News.
