In 2050, the world population is projected to increase by approximately 1.5 billion more
people to feed than the already 7.5 billion wondering what’s for dinner tonight. The acute need to sustain this rapidly growing demand rests on the back of science and innovation, enabling farmers to supply quality protein to the masses. Ractopamine, the active ingredient in the pork feed additive Paylean is one solution to being able to provide for the future. So why is one of the best and safest FDA approved advance in our arsenal being outlawed in 160 world nations?
Reasons range between trade negotiations between the US and foreign nations to consumer concern. While foreign nations debate the reliance on US products, consumers question the safety of the drug residue and are sensitive to hormone issues so widely debated in the media. Scientists urge consumers to check the facts before denouncing the feed additive.
What is Ractopamine?
According to a research study conducted by Gary Smith, Ph.D., Ractopamine is a beta-agonist which is a compound that stimulates adrenal receptors in livestock to redirect the energy from feed into muscle rather than fat.
Approved in 1999 by the FDA, Elanco revolutionized the pork industry by releasing a product that maximizes growth potential and ultimately cuts time and costs for pork producers across the US.
According to the research study., Ractopamine’s specific benefits include increased growth of lean muscle, improved feed efficiency, reduced fat content on carcasses, and increases in carcass dressing percentage.
Russell Cross, Ph.D., animal science professor at Texas A&M University and former Administrator of USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service under Presidents Bush and Clinton said that his time as a member of the team who developed Ractopamine in the 1990’s taught him how the beta- agonists work in livestock.
“It’s a beta- agonist that petitions the energy into the growth of muscle as compared to fat,” Cross Said. “So, if you’re interested in producing pounds or muscle or meat, this is a good compound to use in your system.”
Consumer Concerns
With numerous benefits to producers and packers, along with lower costs for consumers, the question is raised of why Ractopamine is illegal almost everywhere outside of the US. Cross said that the main questions from consumers’ have been about its safety for both humans and the pigs being fed the supplement, however further study might alleviate their concerns.
“People are always bringing up health concerns and product safety in articles, but they never have any scientific backing,” Cross said.
According to the research study, Ractopamine is used as a finisher in the last 20 to 40 days of feeding and, because it does not last long in animal tissue, is excreted before the animal is harvested, proving safe for human consumption. It also occurs at the natural cell level and does not affect the hormone status in the animal.
Contradictory to articles released by activist groups, Cross said that Ractopamine is safe for humans and has no proven detriment to pigs either.
“There’s no question in my mind, then and now, that the use of Ractopamine is very safe. The science is overwhelming with the safety of these products for people and animals, and it has been for many years,” Cross said. “The product had extensive initial testing and is still tested regularly
According to the research study, extensive research has been conducted to ensure Ractopamine’s safety for the environment, the animal’s intended for its use, and for food safety. After conducting multiple trials, Smith found no adverse effects and there were no indications of negative responses on the tested animals. In addition, no concerns were raised about its impact on human health.
David Anderson, Ph.D., extension economist for livestock and food products marketing, believes that most of the negative perceptions about Ractopamine formed by consumers stem from the overwhelming push for products with claims such as “organic” and ‘non- GMO”.
“There’s people who want a fresh, local- type product nowadays, and that leads them to turn away from commercial agriculture,” Anderson said.
Exporting U.S. Pork
The United States currently exports 24% of its pork production, with China being the biggest export. China is one of the countries that has banned Ractopamine use in their own production practices and also has zero- tolerance policy against imports containing the feed additive. Anderson affirms that the ban has nothing to do with the safety of the supplement, but all to do with placing a trade barrier on the US.
“They’ve placed a ban on Ractopamine because it is widely used in the US, and they want to keep the market in their country,” Anderson said. “It’s a protectionist policy to protect their own producers and ensure that Chinese pork producers are still in business.”
On the other hand, China is desperate to find new protein sources in light of the outbreak of African Swine Fever which has killed off most of the pigs in the country. Cross stated that China might be open to negotiating their policy on Ractopamine use based on their current desperation.
“China is in trouble right now and they need our protein, and they may rethink their restrictions on the use of these products,” Cross said.
The topic of Ractopamine supplementation will continue to face heated discussion in the livestock industry. The best course of action is for world-wide consumer education, focusing on the facts and benefits the impact this feed additive has on food production for the world. In 30 years, embracing innovative advancements like Ractopamine could make the difference in questioning what there is for dinner and knowing it will be there.
Sources:
Russell Cross, Ph.D.
hrcross@tamu.edu
979-862-1705
David Anderson, Ph.D.
danderson@tamu.edu
(979) 845-4351
USMEF . (2017). U.S. Meat Export Federation FAQ. Retrieved from https://www.usmef.org/about-usmef/faq/
Smith, G. C. (2013). Beta- Agonist Used for Growth Promotion. Presented to the Board of Directors of Nolan Ryan Beef Company, Fort Worth, TX.
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