Source: MEATINGPLACE, 9/19/14

A top U.S. trade official said Taiwan needs to clarify its policy on ractopamine in imports of pork and certain beef products.

Taiwan established a maximum residue level for ractopamine in beef cuts in 2012 but has not set an MRL for pork and other beef products, despite the Codex Alimentarius Commission’s adoption of MRLs for ractopamine in these products, said Michael Punke, deputy U.S. trade representative and U.S. ambassador to the World Trade Organization.

Taiwan also maintains unpredictable policies that impede the importation of rice, organic products and other items, Punke said in remarks prepared for delivery at a recent WTO meeting in Geneva.

Punke commended Taiwan on its strong efforts over the past four years to liberalize its trade and investment policies to further integrate with the global economy.

He noted U.S. farmers exported $3.1 billion to Taiwan in 2013, making it the seventh largest market for U.S. agricultural goods.

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