China will block pork imports from a third Canadian company after a shipment was discovered containing the banned additive ractopamine, the Chinese customs agency said on Tuesday, deepening a trade and diplomatic dispute with Canada.
The company in question is Frigo Royal, the agency said on its WeChat account. Ractopamine is used in some countries to slim pigs, but China does not allow its use or tolerate residues in imported meat.
China will also step up inspections for residues on all pork imports from Canada, the General Administration of Customs said in a statement. Quebec-based Frigo Royal did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
In April, China had already banned imports from two other Canadian producers, Olymel and Drummond Export, due to labeling issues, in addition to also blocking canola imports.
“It’s definitely not good news,” Canadian Agriculture Minister Marie-Claude Bibeau told reporters, adding that the case was under investigation.
“My message to exporters and industry is to be vigilant in ensuring that all the rules of our export agreement with China are respected.”
Relations between China and Canada soured in December after Vancouver police detained Meng Wanzhou, the chief financial officer of technology company Huawei, on a warrant issued in the United States. China is demanding that she be allowed to return to the country.
