US mission in Taiwan condemns ‘disinformation’ regarding safety of American pork

‘When political figures propagate disinformation and raise unfounded anxiety among Taiwan consumers, it is a disservice to everyone,’ de facto embassy says

Statement comes after island’s opposition party rallied against government’s decision to allow imports of US pork containing ractopamine

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Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen’s decision to allow imports of US pork containing ractopamine sparked ructions in parliament. Photo: AP

Published: 4:33pm, 17 Dec 2020Updated: 4:33pm, 17 Dec 2020

The United States’ de facto embassy in Taiwan on Thursday decried “disinformation” from politicians about food safety, amid a contentious decision by the island’s government to allow imports of American pork treated with a leanness-enhancing additive.

Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen’s decision in August to allow imports of US pork containing ractopamine, which is banned in the European Union and China, has roiled the island’s politics.

The main opposition Kuomintang (KMT) party opposes the move on safety grounds, holding noisy protests and on one occasion flinging pig entrails in parliament.

The government says nobody will be forced to eat the pork and that the move brings Taiwan into line with international norms.

In a statement, the American Institute in Taiwan said that all US exports to the island and its other trade partners were safe and met the same high, evidence-based standards that were used in the United States.