TAIPEI, China – Taiwan announced on March 5 plans to lift the country's ban on some US beef products that contain ractopamine, a feed additive used to promote leanness in livestock.

Under the plan, internal beef organs and pork products containing ractopamine will still be banned. The plan is awaiting parliamentary approval. Consumer groups and pork producers in Taiwan have opposed the plan. But trade hawks argue the issue has stalled free trade talks.

Ractopamine, a feed additive used to promote leanness in cattle and hogs, is banned in the European Union, Taiwan, China and approximately 100 other countries.