Taiwan gov't denies lifting ban on US beef

Taipei (The China Post/ANN) - The incoming agricultural chief yesterday denied that Taiwan government has already decided to lift a ban on ractopamine-containing U.S. beef, but health authorities vowed to impose strict control of such imports if they are allowed.

Chen Bao-ji, who will take over the Council of Agriculture (COA), dismissed reports that claimed the government already decided to allow imports of ractopamine-containing beef from the U.S., but will keep the ban for pork imports.

"It's not true," said Chen said in response to the reports about the government reaching a decision over the feed additive row.

He said nothing has been certain so far, and he has not taken sides over the issue.

He stressed that he will call an inter-ministry meeting as soon as possible after assuming the COA leadership Monday.

He added that discussions will focus on protecting the people's health, reducing the impact on domestic industries and meeting international standards.

The Cabinet's Consumer Protection Commission will also be invited to the meeting, Chen added.

President Ma Ying-jeou earlier this week promised Washington's de facto ambassador to Taipei, Raymond Burghardt, that his administration would adopt a "new approach" to handling the dispute over U.S. beef imports.

Ma's remarks have since sparked speculation that Taiwan is set to lift the ractopamine ban, causing local farmers and activists to vow to take to the streets in protest of the move.

Deputy Health Minister Hsiao Mei-ling said the Department of Health (DOH) has not yet received any notification concerning the rumored decision.

She stressed that the DOH is not in a position to dictate the outcome or make any announcement concerning such an important issue that involves different government bodies.

But if the government lifts the ban, the DOH will closely monitor the levels of ractopamine in U.S. beef imports in a manner as strict as it has been doing to prevent mad cow disease with the goal of safeguarding the local people's health, Hsiao said.

Health officials noted that the DOH has been strictly monitoring U.S. beef imports from the source, the border and the market since Taiwan eased restrictions on beef products from the United States despite mad cow disease concerns.

Any U.S. imports exceeding the allowed ractopamine levels will be rejected, the officials said.

But the local beef industry has voiced strong concern over a "massive invasion" by competitors from the U.S.

The association representing the domestic beef industry said the easing of the ban on ractopamine-containing U.S. imports will not only dampen their business, but also harm the health of Taiwan's populace.

The association said it will mobilize its members to the streets in Taipei in protest and will call a preparation meeting today.

Hog farmers are equally angry, saying there is no guarantee that the government will not lift the ractopamine ban for U.S. pork imports in the future.