Food Safety Focus (155th Issue, June 2019) – Food Incident Highlight

Follow-up on the African Swine Fever Incident

On 10 May 2019, the first African Swine Fever (ASF) case was detected in a pig carcass from Sheung Shui Slaughterhouse (SSSH).  About six thousand pigs were culled from 13 to 14 May. SSSH was then subject to cleansing and disinfection, which was completed on 18 May. SSSH resumed its operation on 19 May.

On 31 May, the second ASF case was reported in SSSH. About four thousand pigs were culled. Subsequent cleansing and disinfection was completed on 5 Jun. Slaughtering services was resumed on 6 Jun.

To strengthen the prevention of ASF at local level, daily clearance arrangement has been imposed in SSSH in which live pigs will be slaughtered within 24 hours upon admittance. Lairages are cleared out and undergone cleansing every day. Such new practice aims to minimise the risk of ASF spread among pigs.

ASF will not infect human and does not pose food safety risk. As a general food safety advice, pork should be thoroughly cooked before consumption. Also members of the public are reminded not to bring any meat into Hong Kong without official health certificates.