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Starting in January, pork from the US should also be able to be sold in Taiwan again. However, because it may contain a drug, thousands took to the streets in Taipei. They care about your health.
Thousands of people have protested against imports of American pork in the Taiwanese capital Taipei. The protesters marched in front of the presidential office building. The demonstration was part of the annual “Autumn Struggle” protest march organized by the unions.
The government of Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen lifted the ban on imports of pork and beef from the United States on January 1, 2021 in August. Then the pork with traces of the drug ractopamine can be imported again. The drug is added to animal feed, it is said to contribute to lean meat. It is prohibited in China and the EU, and it is allowed in the US Furthermore, meat that is older than 30 months must also be allowed.
Concerns about health risks
The opposition Kuomintang Party (KMT) and a large part of the population oppose the lifting of the ban. The public is concerned after several food scandals in the past. “I have a son and if we eat things with ractopamine, it is not good for our body,” said a 37-year-old factory worker. “I hope the government can see that citizens are against it.”
The Tsai government and its ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), which has a large majority in parliament, defended the permit. It does not pose a threat to security and will strengthen relations between Taiwan and the United States. The KMT accused her of spreading false news on the subject in order to instill fear. The KMT is also trying to organize a referendum on pork imports from the United States for next year. The permit was a crucial obstacle to negotiations on a free trade agreement between the United States and Taiwan.
