Mayor criticizes double standard on ractopamineIMPORTS VERSUS DOMESTIC: The central government must clearly explain its policy on lifting the import ban if it wants local governments’ help, Ko Wen-je saidBy Lee I-chia / Staff reporterTaipei Mayor Ko Wen-je (柯文哲) yesterday criticized the central government for allowing imports of US pork products containing ractopamine residue, but banning the use of the leanness-enhancing feed additive by Taiwan’s pig farmers. “My attitude is simply ‘yes or no’ — [the government] just [needs to] clearly explain the policy and publicize the procedure, and we will raise our hands with questions if we have different opinions,” Ko said. Taipei Mayor Ko Wen-je looks at reporters from inside an art installation made of bamboo at the Guandu International Nature Art Festival in the city’s Beitou District yesterday. Did you not say it is safe to eat?” he said. In related news, Council of Agriculture Minister Chen Chi-chung (陳吉仲) yesterday responded to Ko saying on Saturday that he wanted to ask the minister just how much pork containing ractopamine would be imported in the first year after the ban is lifted.

Source: Taipei Times November 01, 2020 15:56 UTC