Import of US Pork from Ractopamine-Fed Pigs Opposed by Swine Association; Food Company Hints Taiwanese Pigs Once Used It Illegally

Zhang Shengjin, secretary-general of the Swine Association, said, "We do not oppose opening up to US pork, but we oppose US pork with ractopamine." Besides health risks, there is also consideration of the impact on the domestic industry.

He said that Canadian and Danish imported pork is already on the Taiwan market, with pre-tax production costs of about 40 to 42 yuan per kg, much cheaper than domestic Taiwanese pork, whose production costs fall at 62 to 65 yuan per kg.

Therefore many domestic operators have already begun actively transforming, not only improving breeding rates and pork quality but also building their own brands. However, "US pork costs about 50 yuan, and opening up US pork imports will directly hit the livelihoods of domestic pig farmers," Zhang Shengjin said, estimating that more than 50,000 pig farmers and pork processing operators could leave farming.

How can "imported pork labeled all the way" be implemented? Swine Association questions it

However, regarding Tsai Ing-wen's stated position that she would open up US pork but pursue a policy of "imported pork labeled all the way," Zhang Shengjin said he remains reserved, "It depends on how the policy is formulated and implemented." Matters such as misrepresenting imported pork or false labeling require more detailed regulations before they can be discussed.

In addition, regarding a food industry operator's Facebook post saying "unless no pig farm in all of Taiwan uses ractopamine or any other kind of leanness-enhancing agent, otherwise after strict requirements for clear labeling, imports can only be opened," Zhang Shengjin said he "remains reserved."

Zhang Shengjin said, "According to the Animal Drug Control Act and my understanding, leanness-enhancing agents cannot be used domestically." Zhang Shengjin said the Council of Agriculture and the Central Animal Industry Association both conduct spot checks to confirm that products do not contain illegally used leanness-enhancing agents.

Anonymous source: The US side holds evidence of Taiwanese pigs using leanness-enhancing agents, which is unfavorable for our negotiations

Wu Kun-yu, nominated by the Democratic Progressive Party as an at-large legislator and professor at the Institute of Occupational Medicine and Industrial Hygiene in the Department of Public Health at National Taiwan University, said that under the global free trade trend, opening up to US pork is likely imperative; but before opening up, the government can make more preparations to avoid repeating the mistake of hastily opening up US beef last time.

He stressed that concrete preparations include increasing pig farmers' quality and competitiveness, while "tenfold inspection manpower and implementation of import labeling are feasible."

Another person familiar with the matter revealed that the US side may hold test data on Taiwanese pig farmers' illegal use of ractopamine or other leanness-enhancing agents, making the Taiwan government's reason that "the law prohibits their use" completely lacking in credibility, and it is even regarded as a "trade barrier" and forced to open up.