USDA Trade Undersecretary Ted McKinney says China has promised to consider lifting its zero tolerance policy on ractopamine residues in pork and beef. That’s seen as a positive move by U.S. pork officials. Minnesota Pork Producer’s Association President John Anderson says although he doesn’t use ractopamine, it gives other producers the option.
He says China’s become an important customer of U.S. pork and has bought some previously because of their own problems with their hog herd hit by African Swine Fever.
Anderson says there are several Southeast Asian countries interested in U.S. pork including Vietnam and that along with a recent development in Taiwan has helped there also.
China’s move to reconsider its policy on ractopamine as part of the Phase one trade deal they have with the United States that was implemented in February.
