Russia Moves to Ban Beef, Pork from U.S. and Canada

Use of Ractopamine in Feed Prompts Russia to Ban Beef and Pork Exports

By Amanda Brodhagen, Farms.com

Russia says that it plans to ban beef and pork imports from the U.S and Canada over the use of ractopamine, which is sometimes used as a feed additive. Ractopamine is a steroid that helps aid in weight gain and muscle growth. The ban will only apply to chilled meat imports. Last year, along with several other EU countries, Russia banned the use of ractopamine domestically. The ban is scheduled to be implemented as early as February 4, 2013.