Pork is still in high demand at markets in Vinh city.

As one of the largest food markets in Vinh City, these days, pork stalls at Quan Lau market are still operating normally, although the amount of meat products sold and the number of consumers have decreased compared to before.

Before the African swine fever epidemic, each small trader in the market sold 50-70 kg of pork per day, but now only 30-40 kg of meat. Ms. Phan Thi Van, owner of a pork stall at Quan Lau market, said: Since the epidemic, trading in the market has been somewhat affected, sales volume has decreased compared to before, and prices have also decreased by about 10% compared to the time before the epidemic.

Consumers choose to buy pork at Quan Lau market (Vinh city). Photo: Vo Huyen

At Ms. Dang Thi Lap's stall, after only half a morning, nearly 2 finished pigs were sold out. Ms. Lap shared: Because her stall sells pork with origin, quarantine stamps from veterinary agencies, and full documents, the number of regular customers still eats normally. The amount of goods sold remains the same as before. Ms. Lap's point of view is that business people must be conscientious, and buyers must be smart, knowing how to choose fresh, delicious, and sourced meat products for consumption and use.

Meanwhile, at Quang Trung market, pork stalls are still crowded with customers. While choosing pork ribs at a meat stall, Ms. Nguyen Thi Hue in Block 23, Hung Binh Ward said: "When there was information about African swine fever, I was also confused, but because this is a familiar daily dish, I still bought it. However, I do not buy floating meat but choose meat with a clear origin and quarantined."

Pork prices at supermarkets and stores remain high despite the outbreak of African swine fever.

(Baonghean.vn) - While swine fever is spreading rapidly in many provinces and cities across the country, in traditional markets, purchasing power and pork prices have decreased. However, in clean food stores and supermarkets, pork prices remain high and purchasing power has increased.

Consumers are more cautious when buying pork instead of boycotting it.

(Baonghean.vn) - As of March 11, African swine fever has spread widely in 13 provinces and cities across the country. Although Nghe An has not yet had an outbreak, consumers are still worried. However, instead of boycotting, consumers are more cautious when choosing to buy pork and pork products.

Also not "turning her back" on pork, Ms. Hoang Thi Thu in Phong Hao hamlet, Hung Hoa commune said that when information about African swine fever was announced, her family still used meat normally. But to be safe, she chose to buy at a familiar store; choosing fresh red meat with white fat because it was meat from a healthy pig, not sick.

According to observations, at many markets in Vinh City, although the number of customers has decreased compared to before, consumers have not completely "turned their backs" on pork. The amount of meat sold at the markets is not large, but to create trust for customers, traders also choose to buy meat with quarantine stamps from veterinary agencies. Meanwhile, stalls selling pork floating on the sidewalks are almost deserted because consumers boycott meat of unknown origin.

According to Mr. Nguyen Tien Duc - Head of Vinh City Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Station, many consumers are afraid of African swine fever so they limit their pork consumption, which may cause pork prices to drop, further affecting farmers. We affirm that African swine fever is not transmitted to humans, so people can rest assured when using safe food products made from pork.

Vinh City's interdisciplinary inspection team inspects pork trading activities at Vinh market. Photo: Vo Huyen

Currently, Vinh City is focusing on epidemic prevention. The city has established quarantine checkpoints and interdisciplinary working groups to regularly inspect and strictly control pork sources before selling them on the city market, preventing floating pork of unknown origin from entering the market.

According to Mr. Duc, people should choose to buy safe pork products, which are quarantined by veterinary agencies, processed hygienically, and have a clear address. When choosing to buy pork, people should choose meat with a natural bright red color, white fat, and skin without unusual spots or marks. Absolutely do not buy meat with strange colors such as brown, gray, dark red, or light green.