Radio Taiwan International
Date: 2017-04-03

Health Minister Chen Shih-chung says he is not opposed to lifting a ban on US pork and certain Japanese food imports. Chen made the comment in a Monday interview with Apple Daily.

Chen said, however, that food safety is a priority. He promised that if there are any safety concerns, he will not lift the ban at the expense of public health, simply for political considerations.

Taiwan has imposed a ban on US pork laced with ractopamine, a leanness-enhancing additive, due to safety concerns.

The ban on Japanese food imports from Fukushima and four neighboring prefectures is due to concerns about contaminated food following the 2011 meltdown of a nuclear power plant. Chen promised to send a delegation to Japan to collect more evidence about radioactive residue if Taiwan resumes negotiations with Japan.  [FULL  STORY]