TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan's Premier Chen Chien-jen on Tuesday (March 5) responded to Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) legislator Chen Su-yueh's queries on agricultural issues, stating that the results of the cimbuterol pork will be available in two days.
Traces of cimbuterol, an additive banned in Taiwan, were found in a pack of pork in early February, sparking food safety concerns across the nation.
Premier Chen said that the Ministry of Health and Welfare and the Office of Food Safety would present their evaluation of the cimbuterol pork incident to the Executive Yuan, and conclusions would be drawn then.
Chen Su-yueh had also expressed concerns over the administration of the multi-billion pig farming fund. Acting Minister of Agriculture Chen Junne-jih explained from 2021 to 2024, NT＄12.83 billion had been invested in the fund. This investment is focused on pig farm upgrading and slaughterhouse improvements. If properly executed, issues such as pig farm wastewater discharge will benefit from rectification.
The upgrade of the pig farming industry does not only span four years, according to Chen Junne-jih; plans are being made for the next four-year phase to sustain industry upgrading and to enhance production efficiency. The agricultural department will continue dialogue with the industry and put forward related projects.