Taiwan's pig farmers protest U.S. beef imports

More than 1,000 pig farmers from across Taiwan took to the streets in Taipei Thursday to protest the executive authority's proposed plan to conditionally lift a ban on the import of ractopamine-laced beef from the United States.

Farmers assembled outside the building of Taiwan's legislative authorities before proceeding to the site of Taiwan's agricultural authority. They shouted slogans as they marched.

Protesters fear Taiwan will be opened more widely to other American meat products such as pork once the island's market accepts U.S. beef with residues of ractopamine, a lean meat-growth additive.

Chen Bao-ji, chief of Taiwan's agricultural authority, pledged to take action to protect farmers' interests.

The executive authority will not open Taiwan's market to ractopamine-laced pork or turkey, nor will it hurt Taiwan's animal husbandry by importing other agricultural products from outside the island, according to Chen.

On Monday, Taiwan's executive authority proposed a plan to accept U.S. beef on the basis of a four-point principle, which is pending approval by the legislature. The proposal has incurred opposition from the public.

Ractopamine is allowed in animal feed in more than 20 countries, but is banned in Taiwan.