China is refusing to allow several pork processing plants to import American meat believed to have tested positive for the controversial animal drug ractopamine. Our 2012 report by Helena Bottemiller Evich was the first to investigate the issues surrounding the use of ractopamine. Citing concerns about its effects on human health, the European Union, China, Russia, and other other countries banned the drug’s use. Despite those concerns, the feed additive is administered to the majority of pigs produced in the U.S. to make them leaner and speed their growth.
The FDA deemed ractopamine safe to use more than a decade ago, and more than 24 countries, including Canada, have followed suit. However, an analysis of FDA data by FERN showed the drug was linked to more reported adverse drug experiences in pigs than any other approved veterinary drug on the market. Evich found that, “Pigs suffered from hyperactivity, trembling, broken limbs, inability to walk and death. The FDA, however, says such data do not establish that the drug caused these effects.”
China banned the import of U.S. beef years ago following a mad cow scare in 2003. China, however, is still interested in buying pork from U.S. companies – as long as the meat is produced without ractopamine. Additionally, Smithfield, the world’s largest pork producer, is now owned by the Chinese company Shuanghui International Holdings. Smithfield had been transitioning away from the drug, before the sale.
The USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service posted China’s export requirements this week, which detailed standards for its “Ractopamine Control Program.” The standards apply to anything produced after July 1, 2014.
It now appears that several U.S. plants recently failed China’s meat drug tests. China placed six pork processors and six cold storage facilities on their “Not Eligible to Transport” list. The plants are owned by several companies, including Tyson and Hormel. The USDA is waiting for more information from China to determine the exact reasons why these facilities were placed on the list. We’ll keep you posted.
Read past FERN ractopamine investigation coverage and updates:
Ractopamine And Pigs: Looking At The Numbers
Fern’s Livestock Drug Story Has International Impact
Big Pork Deal Comes Amid Friction Over Livestock Drug