IMPORTS VERSUS DOMESTIC: The central government must clearly explain its policy on lifting the import ban if it wants local governments’ help, Ko Wen-je said

Taipei Times
Date: Nov 02, 2020
By: Lee I-chia / Staff reporter

Taipei Mayor Ko Wen-je (柯文哲) yesterday criticized the central government for allowing imports of US pork products containing ractopamine residue, but banning the use of the leanness-enhancing feed additive by Taiwan’s pig farmers.

“My attitude is simply ‘yes or no’ — [the government] just [needs to] clearly explain the policy and publicize the procedure, and we will raise our hands with questions if we have different opinions,” Ko said.

He made the remarks on the sidelines of the opening ceremony for the Guandu International Nature Art Festival after reporters asked him to elaborate on earlier comments about the plan to relax restrictions on Jan. 1 on imports of US pork products, as well as beef from cattle aged 30 months or older.

The central government should not mislead the public, since most people think the policy only applies to US pork, but it might end up allowing the importation of pork containing ractopamine from other countries, as businesspeople would make changes to earn a profit, he said.
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