Health Livestock Chief Upholds Ractopamine Ban in US Pork Debate

[Georgealbert]

 

Picture courtesy of Workpoint.

 

The Director-General of the Department of Livestock Development has reiterated the country’s strict ban on the use of ractopamine, a controversial feed additive used to promote leaner pork, in response to speculation that US pork imports could soon be allowed.

 

Somchuan Rattanamangkalanon said the department’s position is “clear and unchanged”, the use of ractopamine is prohibited at every stage of pork production in Thailand due to the health risks it poses to consumers.

 

Speaking to reporters, he stressed that while no official policy change or import arrangements had been confirmed, public concerns over food safety must be taken seriously. “Our priority is to protect the health of Thai people. Ractopamine is banned because it can accumulate in the body and cause cardiovascular and other harmful effects,” he said.

 

The department, Somchuan explained, has long carried out proactive monitoring to prevent the illegal use of the substance in slaughterhouses, feed factories and farms nationwide. The goal, he said, is to keep Thailand entirely free from ractopamine and to maintain consumer confidence, both domestically and among export markets, including the EU, China, Russia, and Japan, that also prohibit the additive in livestock production.

 

Thailand’s livestock chief emphasised that food safety remains a matter of national interest and expressed confidence the government would prioritise public health over trade concessions.

 

He added that he would consult Agriculture Minister Attakorn Sirilatthayakon should developments arise, noting that the minister’s position on the issue aligns with that of the Department of Livestock Development.

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from Workpoint 2025-08-13