Evidence of Beta-Agonist Usage on Malaysian Farms

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Latest Pig Industry News

Monday, January 11, 2010

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Evidence of Beta-Agonist Usage on Malaysian Farms

MALAYSIA - Five pig farms have been banned following evidence that they had used beta-agonists.

Only five pig farms were found to have used beta-agonist on their livestock, based on samples sent to laboratory for testing recently, according to The Star/Asia News Network.

Citing Sin Chew Daily, the report continues that the Federation of Livestock Farmers Associations of Malaysia (FLFAM) president, Lee Ah Fatt, was quoted as saying that the farms were banned from transporting their pigs out.

Beta-agonists are used to force the animals to mature faster and increase the lean meat content, but have been said to cause palpitation, headaches and even death among consumers, especially heart patients.

Two of the farms are in Selangor, while the others are in Perak, Kedah and Penang.

Mr Lee urged consumers to not worry about safety of pork, adding: "Pork sold in markets here are safe to consume."

"I hope consumers will not be discouraged by a few bad examples," he said during a dinner to mark the 40th anniversary of the Perak branch of the association in Ipoh.

Mr Lee also said the association was concerned over the use of beta-agonist in pigs and was working with the Veterinary Department to minimise its usage, reports The Star/Asia News Network.