President Tsai Ing-wen says that the government will start enforcing strict controls and labeling rules on all pork imported from the US starting January 1. January 1 will see Taiwan lift restrictions on the importation of US pork that contains the additive ractopamine.
The Legislature approved an executive order to lift the restrictions on ractopamine-treated pork during a session Thursday.
In a Facebook post, President Tsai Ing-wen wrote that opening up Taiwan’s market will be key to promoting Taiwan’s international trade.
Meanwhile, on Friday, Premier Su Tseng-chang said that the Legislature’s approval of the order to allow in US pork is important for Taiwan-US relations. Su also said that Taiwanese people can be rest assured that 3,300 schools nationwide will only serve Taiwanese pork in their school meals.
The economics ministry has also weighed in on the upcoming lifting of restrictions on US pork. It says the move demonstrates that Taiwan recognizes the importance of international standards. The ministry says that the move will make it easier for Taiwan and the US to negotiate a bilateral trade agreement and further enhance regional economic integration.