US to monitor beef exports to Taiwan
Taiwan's parliament has passed a measure that will ease
restrictions on imports of US beef, ending a long stand-off with its
third-largest trading partner.
The new measure allows the import of beef containing a
leanness-enhancing additive, ractopamine, which is currently banned in Taiwan
but is, according to US officials, safe.
"We look forward to the quick implementation of the
maximum residue level for ractompamine and the resumption of expanded access
for American beef in Taiwan," an official from the Office of the United
States Trade Representative said.
He said that the US "will be consulting with
stakeholders and with Taiwan counterparts on concrete next steps to revitalise
our bilateral trade relationship".
The Department of Health plans to cap the allowable level at a maximum of ten
parts per billion.
