The Chinese government has announced a temporary ban on all exports of Canadian meat to China. According to a statement on the Chinese embassy’s website, customs authorities had detected ractopamine residue in a shipment of pork products from Frigo Royal. A subsequent investigation revealed that a total of 188 veterinary health certificates attached to Canadian shipments were counterfeit.

“In order to protect the safety of Chinese consumers, China has taken urgent preventive measures and requested the Canadian government to suspend the issuance of certificates for meat exported to China since June 25,” the statement said. “We hope the Canadian side would attach great importance to this incident, complete the investigation as soon as possible and take effective measures to ensure the safety of food exported to China in a more responsible manner.”

Ractopamine, a veterinary drug and feed additive, is banned in China but is permitted for use in the United States and Canada. According to CNN, Canadian Minister of Agriculture Marie-Claude Bibeau confirmed the country's authorities had discovered "inauthentic export certificates" and were working with Chinese officials.

"This incident is specific to export certificates to China. Export certificates to other countries are not affected," Bibeau said.

Sources: CNN, Chinese Embassy in Canada