Several NGOs are protesting the government’s decision to allow imports of US pork containing ractopamine residue, citing safety concerns. Ractopamine is a leanness-enhancing feed additive that critics said could pose a health hazard to humans if consumed.
In late August, President Tsai Ing-wen said lifting the ban on US pork imports is in Taiwan’s overall interests. She also said US pork products meet food safety standards, as backed up by scientific evidence.
At a press conference on Tuesday, members of several NGOs, chanting “no poisonous pigs, health is the priority” said they are strongly opposed to the government’s decision to lift a ban on US pork imports.
A pig farmer surnamed Hsu said the death rate of his pigs jumped after feeding them with ractopamine for a month. Hsu called the government’s assurance that there are no health risks from US pork containing the additive a blatant lie.
A young mother also accused the government of sacrificing children’s health for US pork. She said parents have no way to ensure that their kids won’t eat “poisonous pork” at nurseries.
Meanwhile, a consumer protection activist suggested that government officials eat pork with ractopamine residue three meals a day for three months.