African swine fever re-emerges, pork consumption at some markets in Nghe An has decreased significantly

Pork consumption in markets decreased

African swine fever is re-emerging in many localities, causing concern among consumers, leading to a clear decline in pork purchasing power, not only in rural areas but also in urban areas.

According to reporters' records on July 19 and 20, at Vinh market, Truong Vinh ward, the buying and selling atmosphere at pork stalls around the market became unusually quiet. Although it was almost noon, the amount of pork left at many stalls was still quite large. Traders said that purchasing power had decreased sharply in recent days when information about African swine fever was continuously warned in the media.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Van, a pork vendor at Vinh market, shared: “Before, I sold 40-50 kg of meat every morning, but these days I have only sold less than half. People are more cautious, some people have switched to buying chicken, fish or other foods.”

Not only Ms. Van, many other traders are also worried about the decrease in pork purchasing power: "I get goods from Hung Chinh slaughterhouse, with a clear quarantine stamp. Knowing that purchasing power has decreased, I only dare to import 20-30 kg of meat every day, but many days by noon there are still unsold pork products," a trader shared.

A survey at Phu Dien market (Dien Chau commune) on the morning of July 19 showed that the trading atmosphere was quite quiet. Pork stalls were deserted, many traders had to reduce prices, selling below normal levels but still had difficulty selling.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Hoa, a trader at Phu Dien market, said: “The pork we import is caught at farms, guaranteed to be disease-free, but it is still difficult to sell. We sell the delicious 3-chi meat for 130,000 - 140,000 VND/kg, and the butt meat for 120,000 - 130,000 VND/kg, down from before, but still unsold. Customers who come to the market shake their heads when they see the meat, saying they are afraid of sick pigs and disease. Previously, each market session consumed 50 - 60 kg of meat, but now we only sell 30 kg.”

Similarly, Ms. Nguyen Thi Lan, a pork trader who has been selling pork at Phu Dien market for nearly 10 years, said: “Since the news of the outbreak, the number of buyers has decreased significantly. It has been a long time since customers have come to buy, and there are days when I have to bring meat home and ask my brothers and friends to rescue it.”

Concerns about the epidemic have caused many consumers to temporarily say "no" to pork, switching to alternative foods such as chicken, fish, eggs or green vegetables.

Ms. Tran Thi Luong - a customer at Phu Dien market, shared: "Before, I cooked pork for my family almost every day. But recently, hearing that so many pigs died from the epidemic, I switched to buying chicken, fish, and tofu to eat for peace of mind."

For Ms. Vuong Thi Loi in Quan Thanh commune, for nearly a month now she has not dared to buy pork to eat, because her family is raising a herd of 5 pigs.

"Hearing that African swine fever appeared in the area, while my family is raising pigs, I dare not buy pork to eat, for fear that the pork is not safe, the virus will spread to the pig herd, causing heavy losses. Therefore, my family has long switched to eating chicken, duck, seafood...", Ms. Loi shared.

Many people choose to buy pork at the supermarket.

However, in contrast to the gloom in traditional markets, supermarkets and clean food stores still record relatively stable pork consumption, although prices are 15-25% higher than in the outside market. Many consumers choose to buy meat at supermarkets because they feel secure about its origin and quality control process.

According to a survey at some supermarkets, pork prices are currently 15,000 - 30,000 VND/kg higher than the traditional market, depending on the type. Specifically, pork belly costs from 160,000 - 170,000 VND/kg, lean shoulder and thigh meat from 140,000 - 150,000 VND/kg, spare ribs from 180,000 - 195,000 VND/kg... Many consumers said they are willing to pay more for peace of mind, because the meat at supermarkets is packaged, has a traceability stamp and has been quality tested. This is considered a reliable consumption channel in the context of African swine fever re-emerging in many localities.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Bich, in Thanh Vinh ward, shared: “I know the epidemic is spreading so I have to be more careful. Although it is more expensive than in the market, pork in the supermarket is packaged and clearly labeled, at least I know where the meat comes from and how it is inspected. Safety for the whole family is the most important thing.”

According to agricultural experts, African swine fever is a dangerous disease in pigs but is not transmitted to humans. However, if people consume infected pork or pork of unknown origin, the risk of health effects is still very high, especially meat that is not cooked thoroughly or stored improperly.

Authorities recommend that consumers should not boycott pork completely, but should make smart choices. Currently, the authorities are coordinating with localities to strictly control the transportation, slaughter and consumption of pork in the area. People should choose to buy meat at reputable establishments with quarantine stamps, and should not buy floating pork of unknown origin.