Phl bans pork imports from Taiwan

The government has temporarily halted imports of live pigs, pork meat, pig skin and other related products from Taiwan after authorities there reported an outbreak of African swine fever (ASF), marking the second import source this month whose pork products have been banned following Spain.

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The Department of Agriculture (DA) said the measure is crucial in preventing the highly contagious disease from threatening local hog farms and driving up pork prices.

“We have to be vigilant in preventing further ASF infections to protect jobs and investments in the swine industry and ensure food security and consumers’ health,” Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said, emphasizing the economic risks if the virus reaches local farms.

Tiu Laurel ordered the immediate suspension, covering all pork-derived commodities, including semen used for artificial insemination.