African swine fever: Chinese frozen foods firm Sanquan recalls suspected contaminated goods
- Dumplings brand calls in suspect products and praises supply chain quality
- Beijing has issued stricter testing standards for slaughterhouses
Chinese frozen food producer Sanquan said on Monday that it had recalled products that may be contaminated with African swine fever, following media reports that some of its dumplings tested positive for the virus.
African swine fever is incurable in pigs but does not harm people. An epidemic of the disease has spread across China since August 2018, reaching 25 provinces and regions.
Dumplings, which consist of dough wrapped around meat or fish that are then boiled, fried or steamed, are a staple Chinese dish and are also a central meal for the Lunar New Year holiday.
Sanquan, one of China’s leading dumpling brands, told the Shenzhen Stock Exchange that it had recalled all products suspected of contamination, and cited reports of contamination in three batches of pork dumplings. The company said it was cooperating with local authorities on an investigation.
Other Chinese food products have been found containing the virus in recent months, prompting Beijing to issue stricter rules for slaughterhouses including a requirement to sample batches for the virus.
