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US, EU gear up to battle for Codex’s vote on ractopamine
Story Date: 6/7/2012
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Source: Lisa M . Keefe, MEATINGPLACE, 6/7/12
In the last session of the 19th World Meat Congress here, Michael Scuse, Under Secretary for Farm and Foreign Agricultural Services of the USDA, used his turn at the podium to send a shot across the bow of fellow European Union and Chinese attendees over the approval of ractopamine as a feed additive acceptable in international meat trading.
Next month, when the Codex Alimentarius commission meets in Rome, at issue once again will be the question of whether the commission will approve a maximum residue level for ractopamine in pork and, to a lesser extent, beef destined for export — a move that would be a de facto approval of use. The U.S. and 25 other countries have approved its use and would like to see it elevated to the status of international standard via Codex.
The EU, China and Taiwan, among other countries, ban its use or its presence in imported meat, and have so far prevailed in the fight that has gone on for several years.
Scuse, who was sworn in as FFAS Under Secretary just last month after a year spent as Acting Under Secretary, said, “It’s not whether a country wants to use the animal drug, but rather a question of whether non-science factors will be used to politicize the Codex process.”
The EU in particular has been seen by the U.S. as blocking ractopamine’s use as a protectionist measure in favor of their own producers, while hiding behind research indicating that consumers are concerned over its presence in meat.
“The cultural preference of some consumers in wealthy countries should not impede access to safe and affordable foods by people in poorer nations or limit the ability of their trading partners to export agricultural products,” Scuse said.
EU’s response
Dacian Ciolos, the EU Agriculture and Rural Development Commissioner, took his turn at the podium immediately following. He pointed out (to applause from the audience) that regulators have to address consumers’ stated concerns, and that consumer objections or concerns are only going to come up more often as the meat trade becomes more international.
As for protectionism, Ciolos said (through an interpreter), “Those who accuse the [Common Agricultural Policy — the EU’s system of ag subsidies and programs] don’t know the changes it’s gone through. [Europe] has solid meat sector; its protection [is] a CAP objective. Farmers should be paid for their services so they can meet society’s expectations without hindering others from doing their jobs.”
For more stories, go to http://www.meatingplace.com/.
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