Retailers stress pork safety, stable supply after suspected ASF case

Taipei, Oct. 22 (CNA) Major retailers and hypermarkets in Taiwan on Wednesday moved quickly to reassure consumers about pork safety and supply stability after authorities reported the country's first suspected case of African swine fever (ASF).

Agriculture Minister Chen Junne-jih (陳駿季) announced the case at a press conference earlier in the day, saying that 195 pigs had been culled after samples from dead animals on a farm in Taichung's Wuqi District tested positive for ASF.

● Taiwan reports first suspected outbreak of African swine fever

The farm was known to use kitchen waste for feed, he said, adding that an investigation is underway to determine how the virus entered the premises.

To contain a potential outbreak, the Ministry of Agriculture (MOA) launched several emergency measures, including a five-day nationwide suspension of pig transport and slaughter starting Wednesday noon, comprehensive disinfection of meat markets and transport vehicles, and a complete ban on kitchen waste feeding.

A response command post has also been set up in Taichung, with islandwide farm inspections underway.

Leading supermarket chains -- including PX Mart, Carrefour and A.mart -- emphasized that all pork sold in their stores is sourced from certified local farms and slaughterhouses that comply with government disease-control and food safety regulations.

They also pledged to maintain stable supply throughout the five-day halt in slaughtering. 

● Taiwan imposes disease controls amid suspected ASF outbreak

A.mart said its pork primarily comes from Taiwan Sugar Corp. and registered farms in Pingtung, all of which meet animal health and inspection standards. The retailer pledged to maintain sufficient stock in its stores and monitor official updates to adjust sourcing as needed.

PX Mart said all pork sold in its stores comes from contract farms and certified slaughterhouses with full traceability and veterinary supervision during the slaughter process.

In a similar statement, Carrefour said its chilled and frozen Taiwanese pork products are sourced from traceable partner farms under strict health monitoring.

The company added that it regularly audits qualified slaughterhouses and will continue to ensure a steady supply of pork while adhering to food safety regulations.

Meanwhile, health experts reassured the public that ASF does not pose a risk to human health and cannot be transmitted from pigs to people. They advised consumers to buy only certified pork and ensure it is thoroughly cooked.

Yen Tzung-hai (顏宗海), director of the Clinical Toxicology Center at Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, told CNA that ASF affects only pigs and wild boars, not humans.

While the disease is not zoonotic, he said, it can cause mass pig deaths in a short period and severe economic losses.

Yen added that pork should always be cooked thoroughly to prevent other foodborne illnesses.