Farms.com Home   Ag Industry News

China blocks US meat exports from west coast facility

Trace additive halts shipments through key port

By Farms.com

China has halted meat exports from a cold storage facility near the Port of Oakland, California. The move comes after Chinese customs officials detected ractopamine, a feed additive banned in China and over 150 other countries, in US beef shipments.

The ban, which took effect on May 27th, applies to Cool Port Oakland, a crucial West Coast hub for transferring meat from rail to cargo ships headed for Asia. This disruption impacts meat exporters throughout the United States, including those located as far away as the Midwest.

"China's suspension of this facility has caused disruption for beef, pork, and poultry exports," said Joe Schuele of the U.S. Meat Export Federation. Exporters are now forced to rely on alternative facilities within the Bay Area to handle their shipments.

The incident highlights the complexity of international food trade and the importance of adhering to strict regulations. The presence of a banned additive, even in trace amounts, can lead to significant disruptions for both exporters and importers.


Trending Video

The Lambs Are Free! Preparing for Weaning on Our Sheep Farm

Video: The Lambs Are Free! Preparing for Weaning on Our Sheep Farm

The lambs are free as we start preparing for weaning on our sheep farm in Ontario, Canada. Today at Ewetopia Farms, we’re letting our Suffolk and Dorset lambs experience their first real taste of freedom! We give each group access to the barnyard separately, letting them run, leap, and explore while we go about our daily chores. Watch as they tackle a hay bale, chase barn cats, and enjoy their new space. This gradual independence helps with weaning and ensures a smooth transition away from their mothers. Join us for another fun-filled day on the farm!