JBS: China halts beef imports from US plant due to ractopamine detection

China Blocks Beef from US Plant Over Detection of Ractopamine: JBS

In a recent development, China has blocked beef shipments from a JBS plant in Greeley, Colorado, after traces of the feed additive ractopamine were found in beef destined for China. Ractopamine is a controversial feed additive used to boost animal weights, but its use has been banned or restricted in at least 160 countries, including the European Union, Russia, and China.

JBS, the world’s largest beef producer based in Brazil, stated that it is working with Chinese authorities to resolve the situation. The suspension of beef shipments from the Greeley plant was effective on Monday, according to the Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) website.

In addition to the suspension of beef shipments from the JBS plant, China has also suspended exports of meat and poultry products from Cool Port Oakland in California. This suspension was also due to the detection of ractopamine in a batch of frozen beef products exported to China.

The news of the suspension sent Chicago Mercantile Exchange cattle futures plummeting, with analysts noting the significant impact on the market. This incident has raised concerns about the use of ractopamine and its implications for human health and animal welfare.

The USDA FSIS is currently conducting an investigation into the matter, while food safety, environmental, and animal rights groups have filed a lawsuit against the FDA to reconsider approvals of ractopamine. The situation remains fluid as stakeholders navigate the complexities of international trade and food safety regulations.