Russia has temporarily banned imports of all beef and pork products from the United States because of concerns over a steroid-based feed additive.
Ractopamine is used to speed livestock growth and produce leaner cuts of meat, United Press International reports. It’s been banned in 160 countries, but the U.S. continues to use the additive. Russia’s ban is a big economic hit for the U.S. meat industry, which claims that the additive is safe in small amounts.
In the first 11 months of 2012, the U.S. had exported $280 million in pork products and $305 million worth of beef products to Russia, UPI says.
The United States is “deeply concerned” with Russia’s announcement, said Andrea Mead, a spokeswoman for U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk, in the UPI report.
© Copyright 2013 The Washington Times, LLC. Click here for reprint permission.
Cheryl Chumley is a continuous news writer for The Washington Times. Previously, she was part of the start-up team for The Washington Times’ digital aggregation product, Times247. She’s also a 2008-2009 Robert Novak journalism fellow with The Phillips Foundation. She can be reached at cchumley@washingtontimes.com.
By Elaine Donnelly
Extending sexual misconduct to combat units
Independent voices from the TWT Communities
Consummate traveler Todd DeFeo explores the unique stories that make destinations worth going to.
It's a big world to play in, and learn from. Join us as we travel the boundaries and beyond.
The Red Thread is written for that special tribe: adoptive families and those who hope to be.
Benghazi: The anatomy of a scandal
13 Photos
Vietnam Memorial adds four names
18 Photos
Cinco de Mayo on the Mall
11 Photos
NRA kicks off annual convention
8 Photos
