Ractopamine (Pork & Beef)

Ractopamine is a feed additive given to pigs, cattle, and turkeys in their final weeks to promote lean muscle growth — basically a growth-accelerating drug for livestock. It's banned in 160 countries, including the EU, China, Russia, and Taiwan. The Codex Alimentarius (UN food standards body) adopted maximum residue limits in a controversial 69-67 vote in 2012. An estimated 60-80% of US pigs receive ractopamine. China's ban has trade implications: US pork exports to China must be certified ractopamine-free, creating a two-tier system where America feeds its own citizens what it can't export.