Tyson foods plans on seeking other export markets for pork products that were recently banned from China because of ractopamine use. South Dakota Pork Producers Council’s Executive Director Glenn Muller says it’s good Tyson is looking for additional customers because exports are critical to our state’s producers as 1 out of every 4 hogs produced is shipped to export markets.
Tyson officials say they’re confident about the safety and quality of their pork and will work with USDA to try and resolve China’s problems. Muller says that’s the proper position and steps to take.
Exports of pork to China last year was valued at $ 645.2 million and this year’s export totals for U.S. pork are expected to break records. Three Tyson facilities were named in the ban announced last week along with a Hormel foods plant, Quality pork processors of Minnesota and Triumph foods in Missouri.
