The Canadian meat industry is being rocked by a Chinese claim that export certificates were faked so it has suspended all meat imports from Canada, effective this week.
According to a statement released by China's embassy, a batch of pork from Canada was found to contain residues of ractopamine, a feed additive banned in many countries. Imports of pork from that facility were halted pending an investigation on the Canadian side.
"The subsequent investigation revealed that the official veterinary health certificates attached to the batch of pork exported to China were counterfeit and the number of those forgery certificates was up to 188," the statement said.
The pork was exported by Frigo Royal of Ste. Hyacinthe, Que.
Federal Agriculture Minister Marie-Claude Bibeau issued a statement saying "the CFIA (Canadian Food Inspection Agency) has taken measures to address this issue and is continuing to work closely with industry partners and Chinese officials."
"The CFIA is investigating this technical issue and has informed appropriate law enforcement agencies.
"This incident is specific to export certificates to China. Export certificates to other countries are not affected," the statement said.
The suspension comes right after an international trade report said China’s pork imports have surged this spring.
I hope the government and company officials involved are banned for life from having anything to do with the food industry.
