China Bans Meat Exports from Northern California Facility
China halts meat exports from Cool Port Oakland after finding banned feed additive ractopamine in beef shipments
China has stopped meat exports from Cool Port Oakland, a key cold storage facility near the Port of Oakland, after detecting traces of ractopamine in beef shipments. Ractopamine is a feed additive banned in China and more than 150 other countries. This ban, which took effect on May 27, has caused significant disruptions in the U.S. meat export supply chain, particularly affecting beef, pork, and poultry exports.
“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 must use other Bay Area facilities.”
This shift has forced exporters, including those as far away as the Midwest, to find alternative facilities to transfer their freight from rail to ocean transport, complicating logistics and increasing costs.
Ractopamine, while considered safe by the FDA for use in pigs and beef cattle to enhance muscle mass and improve feed efficiency, is subject to a zero-tolerance policy in China and the European Union. The presence of this additive in beef shipments is another example of the complexities of international trade relations and the need for stringent regulatory compliance.
The disruption caused by the ban has compelled U.S. meat exporters to adapt quickly to maintain their market competitiveness. The rerouting of shipments through other Bay Area facilities not only adds logistical challenges but also increases the operational costs for exporters who rely on the seamless transfer of goods to meet international demand.
Efforts are ongoing to mitigate the ban's impact on U.S. meat exports and restore normal operations at Cool Port Oakland. The resolution of this issue is critical for safeguarding trade relations and ensuring uninterrupted access to key international markets for U.S. agricultural products.
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