Singapore has temporarily banned pork and related imports from Taiwan following confirmation of an African swine fever (ASF) outbreak at a pig farm in Taichung.
The Singapore Food Agency (SFA) and the Animal & Veterinary Service (AVS) announced the move to prevent the virus from entering the country’s pig population.
Taiwan’s Ministry of Agriculture said the outbreak was detected on October 11 at a farm that used kitchen waste as pig feed, a practice that hos been banned across Taiwan. Authorities also halted pig transport and slaughter, extending restrictions by 10 days to contain the spread.
Minimal impact on Singapore market
The SFA clarified that the ban applies to all pork and pork products from Taiwan that have not undergone virus inactivation, such as raw meat. Products treated with high heat or sterilization remain unaffected. Taiwan’s pork accounts for use 0.3% of Singapore’s total supply, so the impact on the local market will be minimal.
Authorities emphasized that ASF does not infect humans and poses no food safety risk. The virus affects pigs and wild boars but cannot spread through cooked or processed meat.
Singapore confirmed that no ASF cases have been detected locally.
Retail response and safety measures
Major retailers, including FairPrice Group, have stopped selling Taiwanese pork products and assured consumers that current supplies meet all all food safety regulations.
The SFA and AVS said they will continue monitoring the situation closely and take necessary steps to protect animal and public health.
History of suspensions
Singapore previously suspended pork imports from Taiwan in 1997 and 2009 due to foot-and-mouth disease outbreaks. Imports resumed only in late 2024.
The current suspension underscores Singapore’s commitment to protecting its food ecosystem while maintaining supply stability through reliable partners like Brazil, the US, and Indonesia.