Russia is considering a ban on some U.S. beef and pork imports because of concerns that they contain ractopamine, which is a drug that is used as a feed additive to promote leanness in animals. The potential ban could go in effect by February 4th. If Russia follows through with the ban it would jeopardize $500 million a year in meat exports to Russia and increase inventories of beef and pork in U.S. storage. The U.S. Trade Representative is calling on Russia to suspend its unjust measures.