06 May '25

Ractopamine Detected in Australian Pork Imports to Taiwan: Regulatory Compliance and Food Safety

Taiwanese Authorities Announce Findings of Ractopamine Residues in Australian Pork, Highlighting Adherence to Established Safety Standards.

Taipei, Taiwan – May 6 – The Taiwan Food and Drug Administration (TFDA) announced the detection of ractopamine, a controversial veterinary drug, in two batches of frozen pork knuckles imported from Australia.

The shipments, totaling 47.25 metric tons, were found to contain 0.002 parts per million (ppm) and 0.003 ppm of ractopamine, respectively. These levels are well below Taiwan's established maximum residue limits (MRLs).

Taiwan's legal limits for ractopamine in pork are set at 0.01 ppm for pork meat, fat, and other edible parts, and 0.04 ppm for organs such as liver and kidneys. The findings come shortly after a previous detection of ractopamine in imported Australian pork since the removal of restrictions on ractopamine-containing pork on January 1, 2021.

According to TFDA Director-General Chiang Chih-kang (姜至剛), the latest two batches originated from the same manufacturer as the previous batch, but were imported by a different trading company. The importer, Huahung International Trading Co., issued a statement, apologizing for the presence of ractopamine residues and promising stricter controls to prevent future incidents.

The article also provides context with regards to beef imports. Since 2012, Taiwan has permitted the import of beef with minimal traces of ractopamine. A total of 249,609 batches of beef and beef offal have been tested, with 2,493 testing positive for ractopamine. Only six of these batches contained excessive amounts and were subsequently destroyed or returned.

Chiang (姜至剛) emphasized that both beef and pork imports undergo the same rigorous food safety inspections, supported by scientific analysis and established requirements.

Ractopamine, used to enhance muscle growth in animals, is permitted as a feed additive for pigs in 26 countries, including the United States, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, Japan, and South Korea. However, the European Union and China have banned its use due to concerns about its impact on animal and human health.

Other Versions

Justice • 08 Apr '25

A life in Taiwan

Ractopamine Detected in Australian Pork Imports to Taiwan: Regulatory Compliance and Food Safety

Taiwanese Authorities Announce Findings of Ractopamine Residues in Australian Pork, Highlighting Adherence to Established Safety Standards.

Other Versions

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