Press Releases
Pork supply to remain stable
In response to media enquiries on the surge in pork price, a spokesman for the
Health, Welfare and Food Bureau said today (June 6) the overall supply of pork
in Hong Kong would remain stable with an increase in Mainland pork supply to
meet market demand.
The local fresh pork supply comes from local and Mainland live pigs, with
Mainland live pigs accounting for 80% of local supply.
Since the introduction of Mainland chilled pork last August, the import quantity
had increased from 10,440 kg daily at the initial stage to 24,600 kg daily. The
increase was as high as 135%. Compared with the same period last year, the
increase even went up as high as 160% after taking into account the supply of
chilled pork from other regions. Chilled pork had gained popularity among local
consumers.
In May last year, the administration launched the voluntary surrender scheme for
pig farms. Applications were submitted by 244 of the 265 pig farms in Hong Kong.
When these pig farms stop rearing pigs, there would be a drastic decrease in
local fresh pork supply. However, just like other major international cities,
chilled and frozen pork had been gaining wide acceptance in Hong Kong. Coupled
with an increase in Mainland live pigs to meet market demand, the overall pork
supply in Hong Kong would remain stable.
The spokesman pointed out that Mainland live pigs and chilled pork for supply to
Hong Kong must come from registered farms. Their rearing, slaughtering and
processing were under stringent regulation.
The Government would closely monitor pig diseases on the Mainland and continue
to liaise with relevant inspection and quarantine authorities there to ensure
pork for supply to Hong Kong conformed to food safety standard.
Ends/Wednesday, June 6, 2007
Issued at HKT 16:24
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