Executive Yuan spokesperson Evian Ting bought 100 bowls of beef noodles as an apology after he accused a famous, award-winning beef noodle restaurant of using products containing ractopamine. Taipei City government officials said the government should not use national power against small and medium sized businesses.
My colleagues and I came here today to eat some beef noodle soup.
During a press conference on Nov. 12, Executive Yuan spokesperson Evian Ting proclaimed that a Taipei Beef Noodle Soup Festival-winning restaurant used imported American beef containing ractopamine. Later that day, Deputy Taipei City Mayor Vivian Huang came to the restaurant to eat there in a show of support. She said that any public policy can be examined from various perspectives, and that no one should use national power to harm ordinary businesses.
The beef is safe if no residue is found. Just because there was ractopamine before doesn't mean it's ractopamine beef. The Taiwan people know why the government has opened Taiwan up to these products, but please, make sure the source management is done well. It's not that difficult. I don't understand why they're doing everything they can to prevent good source management and clear labels.
Ting was forced to issue an apology. He also spent NT$39,000 to purchase 100 bowls of beef noodle soup from the restaurant, and posted an apology on Facebook. Former New Taipei City Mayor Eric Chu also went to the restaurant to support it. He said Premier Su Tseng-chang, a former Taipei County magistrate, should also apologize.
The Executive Yuan absolutely should not use government mechanisms to undermine businesses. This time, it's not about protesting American beef or pork. It's about food safety and opposing leanness-enhancing agents. I want to make sure the Executive Yuan is clear about this.
Ting's mistake ended up creating fodder for the opposition and publicity for the Taipei Beef Noodle Soup Festival.