Major retailers and hypermarkets yesterday moved quickly to reassure consumers about the safety of pork and supply stability after authorities reported the nation’s first case of African swine fever (ASF).
Minister of Agriculture Chen Junne-jih (陳駿季) announced the case at a news conference yesterday, saying that 195 pigs had been culled after samples from dead animals on a farm in Taichung’s Wuci District (梧棲) tested positive for ASF.
The farm was known to use kitchen waste for feed, he said, adding that an investigation is under way to determine how the virus entered the premises.
Photo courtesy of the Taichung City Government
To contain a potential outbreak, the Ministry of Agriculture launched several emergency measures, and a response command post has been set up in Taichung, with nationwide farm inspections under way.
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 vowed to maintain stable supplies of pork throughout the government’s order to halt slaughtering for five days.
A-mart said its pork primarily comes from Taiwan Sugar Corp and registered farms in Pingtung County, 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 would 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, said that ASF affects only pigs and wild boars, not humans.
While the disease is not zoonotic, it can cause mass pig deaths in a short period and severe economic losses, he said.
Yen added that pork should always be cooked thoroughly to prevent other illnesses.
FUKUOKA SITUATION: Japanese media reported that the pathogen is expected to be identified by the summer, while the CDC downplayed the idea that it was hMPV A “mysterious cold-like illness” reported in Japan’s Fukuoka Prefecture does not seem to be a new disease, but Japanese authorities have been asked about the situation, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) said yesterday. The Fukuoka Prefectural Medical Association on Wednesday told a news conference that a “mystery cold” that has become a hot topic on social media is “highly likely to be caused by some kind of viral infection,” Japan’s KBC News reported. “Many people are experiencing symptoms starting with a sore throat, followed by a runny nose, phlegm and a severe cough,” KBC News reported, citing association officials. Health authorities are
Nvidia Corp CEO Jensen Huang (黃仁勳) arrived in Taiwan yesterday ahead of upcoming AI and technology events, saying he plans to meet with clients and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co Chairman C.C. Wei (魏哲家) during his visit. After landing at Taipei Songshan Airport, Huang posed for photos with fans and handed out Yakult drinks to reporters and supporters waiting at the scene, saying he has “a lot to do” during the trip. Asked about reports that Nvidia’s planned headquarters site in Taipei’s Beitou Shilin Technology Park could break ground on May 27, Huang said that if the company holds an event, he would
The Ministry of Finance this afternoon announced the winning numbers for the March-April uniform invoice lottery. The winning number for the NT$10 million (US$318,060) special prize is 19531471, and the winning number for the NT$2 million grand prize is 85941329. Three numbers were drawn for the NT$200,000 first prize: 07225810, 20231230 and 83518781. Those with receipts matching the last seven digits of any of the first-prize numbers will win the NT$40,000 second prize, while those matching the last six digits will win the NT$10,000 third prize. Those whose receipts match the last five digits of the first-prize numbers can claim the NT$4,000 fourth prize,
SIX SUBSIDIES: The monthly allowance for older farmers is to increase to NT$10,000, and NT$5,000 is to be given to homemakers under the national pension system, Lai said The government is to implement major welfare policies for disadvantaged groups, including raising the monthly allowance for older farmers to NT$10,000 and providing homemakers with NT$5,000 per month, President William Lai (賴清德) said yesterday. Lai made the remarks during a visit to Wangling Temple in Chiayi County, saying that the planned increases were being introduced amid economic growth and an increase in tax revenue. Touting a policy, in which the government plans to provide a monthly allowance of NT$5,000 for every child under the age of 18 in a bid to address Taiwan’s low birthrate, Lai said that if received for the
RSS