Third US pork producer to denounce ractopamine use
Starting April 1, Harmel Foods will not allow pigs feed or exposed to ractopamine to entre its production chain. "We have been actively monitoring the changing global market dynamics for several years and believe this decision will further position us to meet growing international demand," the company said in a statement.
Ractopamine is a substance currently used in pig farming in the United States but is banned in the EU and China. The move announced by the company is related to the Phase 1 Trade Deal announced between the US and China, which is expected to reduce the tariffs on US pork exports in the Chinese market.
Since last year, two other US pork producers, Tyson Foods and JBS have made similar statements in order to have full access for their products in the Chinese market.
In January, China agreed to work with US experts to “conduct a risk assessment for ractopamine in cattle and swine as soon as possible without undue delay,” according to the agreement. The countries will establish a joint working group to discuss the steps to be taken based on the results of the assessment, reports Reuters.
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