Tyson Foods is exploring new export markets for its pork products in the wake of a recent export ban from China.The Agricultural Department said last week that China is blocking future pork imports from six processing plants and six cold storage facilities in the US.
Chinese ban was triggered by the usage of a feed additive known as ractopamine in Tyson's pork products. The additive is said to enhance hogs growth.
Tyson's pork facilities facing ban are located in Perry and Storm Lake, Iowa; and Logansport, Indiana. In addition, China has also banned pork products from Hormel Foods facility in Fremont of Nebraska, Triumph Foods in St. Joseph of Missouri and Quality Pork Processors in Austin of Minnesota.
China has demanded third-party verification that US pork imports are ractopamine-free.
In an email statement, Tyson Foods spokesman Gary Mickelson said: "We're confident about the safety and quality of our pork and will work with the USDA to try to resolve China's concerns."
"In the meantime, we'll find other markets for our products," Mickelson added.
Tyson did not disclosed the impact of Chinese ban on sales or which markets the company will pursue for its exports.
As per the Global Trade Atlas, the US has exported around 312,138 tonnes of pork products to China in 2013, valued at $645.3m.
