Thai pig farmers oppose plan to import US pork

NONTHABURI, Sept 12 (TNA) – Local pig farmers have opposed any possible plan by the Thai government to import pork from the US, raising concerns over consumer health and economic damages to Thai farmers. About 100 pig raisers on Monday protested against plans to import US pork at the Commerce Ministry after learning that delegates from the Commerce Minister would today travel to the US for a trade negotiation. Pork import is expected in the agenda as US President Donald Trump has a policy to reduce US trade deficit. Surachai Sutthitham, president of the Thai Swine Raisers Association expressed a concern over consumer health, saying the use of beta agonist, synthetic substance to increase muscle-to-fat ratio and produce lean meat is allowed in the US pig farms while it is banned by law in Thailand. The association’s vice president, Wiwat Pongwiwatchai said Thai consumers would be at risk of ractopamine exposure if US pork is imported. Moreover, US pork innards, considered as garbage for US consumers will be sent to Thailand. (TNA)