Take drastic measures! Taipei City Health Bureau asks US beef producers to clear themselves

Imported American beef has been found to contain the lean meat stimulant "ractopamine". The Taipei City Health Bureau took the lead in announcing that it would require all meat suppliers and sales channels in Taipei to conduct comprehensive self-inspection management of meat. Only qualified meat will be put on the shelves for sale. At the same time, the inspection report should be placed in a conspicuous place to reassure consumers. The Shusen Development Co., Ltd., which supplied American beef containing ractopamine, was fined NT$60,000.

The Taipei City Health Bureau requires meat suppliers and sales channels to fully and independently manage American beef, and only those with qualified inspection reports can be put on the shelves for sale.

This morning, the Taipei City Health Bureau divided its forces into five groups to conduct meat origin labeling inspections and quality sampling at fast food restaurants, steak houses, traditional markets, and importers. A total of 14 pieces of meat were inspected from 10 businesses, including Shusen, which was recently found by the Kaohsiung City Health Bureau to be supplying American beef containing ractopamine. Preliminary labeling was in compliance with regulations, and the inspection results are expected to be released within a week.

Chen Liqi, director of the Food and Drug Administration, said that current regulations still prohibit the use of clenbuterol in meat products. Shusen Company, whose business is registered in Taipei City, has clear evidence of violation. In accordance with the provisions of Article 11, Paragraph 1, Clause 5 of the Food Sanitation Management Act, "the content of animal drugs exceeds the safe allowable amount", its products have been confiscated and destroyed, and a fine of NT$60,000 has been imposed. Shusen is also required to provide an independent inspection report on the use of animal drugs for each batch of products, and only those that are confirmed to be qualified can be put on the shelves for sale.

However, American beef containing clenbuterol has been detected in markets across Taiwan, severely undermining people's confidence in eating American beef. The Taipei City Health Bureau has announced supporting control measures on the use of drugs in meat animals, similar to the way the plasticizer storm was handled, which is to ensure the safety of products on the shelves. Therefore, it has coordinated with importers, hypermarkets, supermarkets and other distributors to promote self-management of imported beef. The animal drug inspection report for each batch of products must comply with regulations before it can be put on the shelves for sale, and the inspection report will be placed in a conspicuous place to proactively provide consumers with information.

Chen Liqi emphasized that the Health Bureau will also conduct random inspections of products on the market from time to time and check the labels on meat products to prove their origin in order to confirm the quality of the products managed independently by the industry. Once products that do not meet the regulations are detected, they will be removed from the shelves and recalled, and the health bureau in the jurisdiction where the manufacturer is located will impose penalties.

The Taipei City Health Bureau has established an "Imported Beef Management Zone" on its website, and will publish the latest inspection and sampling information, legal information and frequently asked questions in a timely manner for the public to reference. If the public has any food safety or hygiene issues or consumer concerns, please call the Taipei Citizen Hotline: 1999 (out-of-town residents please dial 02-27208889) ext. 7077.