December 3, 2024

 

Taiwanese fresh pork set for Singapore market after 15-year hiatus

Fresh Taiwanese pork may soon return to Singapore after a 15-year break, Taiwan's Ministry of Agriculture announced.

 

The Singapore Food Agency has approved the import of fresh pork from Cha I Shan Foods, a Taiwanese company.

 

According to the ministry, Cha I Shan Foods' slaughterhouse has received hazard analysis and critical control points (HACCP) certification, which highlights its adherence to food safety standards. While processed pork products, such as sausages, are already being exported to Singapore, Taiwan has been actively pursuing approval for fresh pork exports.

 

Following a series of negotiations, Singapore completed a comprehensive document review and conducted a virtual inspection of Cha I Shan Foods' slaughterhouse, paving the way for the approval. The ministry noted that this development follows last year's agreement with the Philippines to import Taiwanese frozen pork.

 

Efforts are ongoing to expand Taiwan's pork export facilities to Singapore. The ministry stated that the approval reflects Taiwan's progress in meeting international standards for food safety and animal disease prevention.

 

Since December 2020, the ministry has promoted HACCP certification in slaughterhouses to align Taiwan's pork industry with global benchmarks. Currently, 11 swine slaughterhouses and 17 poultry slaughterhouses in Taiwan have obtained this certification.

 

The ministry also highlighted Taiwan's achievements in animal health, including keeping African swine fever (ASF) outside its borders and eradicating both foot-and-mouth disease and classical swine fever. Taiwan's status as free from foot-and-mouth disease and ASF has been recognised by the World Organization for Animal Health. The ministry has also applied for recognition as free from classical swine fever, with a decision expected by May next year.

 

-      Taipei Times