TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan's Executive Yuan announced Thursday (Feb. 15), that 706 samples have been taken and inspected, revealing no detection of Cimbuterol—a feed additive used to promote leanness in animals in domestically-produced pork.
This preliminary result dismisses concerns about the domestic pork supply being tainted with the substance.
Taiwan Sugar Corporation's (Taisugar) pork slices were found a few years ago to contain the controversial "lean meat powder" Cimbuterol, sparking public concern.
Since then, the Ministry of Agriculture (MOA) has inspected 633 pre-market samples, and the Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW) has tested 73 post-market samples. Only one sample detected with Cimbuterol was found in Taichung city; the rest showed no traces of ractopamine.
Executive Yuan Spokesperson Lin Tzu-lun confirmed that the Health Ministry will continue to partner with local health departments to strengthen random inspections for ractopamine in pork products, raising the number of annual inspections from 2,000 to 4,000.
Lin also stated that the government will enhance scrutiny of Cimbuterol imports, tracking their source and path while setting up an expert group to discuss and assess the risk source at each link.
Reiterating the administration's commitment to ensuring the sanitary safety of pork products, Lin added that the government will continue to monitor related residues in pork products sold through various channels, directly supplied to catering places, and on the production end.
Lin emphasized that relevant authorities are committed to ensuring that pork products on the market meet Taiwan's veterinary drug residue limits in foods.
