Thousands of Taiwanese have protested against the government’s plans to ease imports of American pork. The largest opposition party, the Kuomintang (KMT), took part in the traditional “autumn fight” organized by workers‘ representatives in the capital Taipei today to criticize the government’s pork decision. The KMT sees this as a threat to food safety.
President Tsai Ing Wen announced in August that from January 1, 2021, the importation of US pork containing ractopamine – an additive intended to increase the proportion of lean meat – would be allowed. This agent is banned in both the EU and the People’s Republic of China. In addition, the importation of US beef that is older than 30 months should be allowed in the future.
KMT insists on a referendum
KMT chairman Johnny Chiang asked Tsai to join a televised debate on the matter. “Taiwanese pigs do not eat ractopamine, and now are you asking Taiwanese to do so? Does that make sense? ”He said to followers. The KMT is trying to push through a referendum on US pork imports.
Tsai and her ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), which has a large majority in parliament, are defending the US pork decision by bringing the island into line with international standards.
This will not endanger food safety, but will strengthen relations between Taiwan and the US. The DPP called on the KMT to „stop their political machinations and return to rational discussions“.
