Economics ministry official Huang Ching-husan says that there is no timetable in place for allowing the import of US beef offal.
Huang was speaking Thursday at a press conference held by the opposition Taiwan Solidarity Union. She also said that public health will be a priority when the economics ministry decides whether or not to allow the import of US beef offal.
Taiwan banned the import of all US beef products in 2003 after a case of mad cow disease was discovered in the United States. In 2009 the government relaxed restrictions and allowed the import of 11 types of beef byproducts.
Meanwhile, during the same press conference, health ministry official Pan Jyh-quan said that the six types of American beef offal the government is considering allowing into the country do not include internal organs. He said therefore, the import of such products is in line with domestic laws and international standards.
Despite Pan’s statement, Thursday saw continued opposition to the proposed import of US beef offal in the legislature, with lawmakers from both of the two major parties arguing against the idea.