Chinese dumpling maker Sanquan recalls products suspected of African swine fever contamination

BEIJING (REUTERS) - Major Chinese frozen food producer Sanquan Food said on Monday (Feb 18) that it has recalled products which 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 rapidly 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 Chinese New Year holiday.

Sanquan, one of China's top dumpling brands, said in a statement to the Shenzhen Stock Exchange that it has recalled all products suspected of contamination, specifically citing reports of contamination in three batches of pork dumplings.

The company said it is cooperating with local authorities on an investigation into the reports. It did not confirm or deny the reports in the statement.

Late last Friday, the Communist Party-run Beijing News said that dozens of samples of processed pork products sold in the north-western Chinese province of Gansu were found containing the virus.

The positive samples, confirmed by local authorities, according to the report, came from 11 different companies including Sanquan, Kedi Group and Synear.

Kedi Group and Synear could not be reached on Monday for comment.

Another report last Friday by the Economic Observer said Sanquan products sold in Hunan province had also tested positive for the virus.

The media reports show that diseased pigs are entering the food supply chain, although it was not clear if the virus was still in a viable form.

Other Chinese food products have also 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.

Last month, frozen food firm Fujian Anjoy Foods said that some of its meatballs were suspected to contain the African swine fever virus.

Sanquan, headquartered in China's central Henan province, said it was implementing further measures to test and control against African swine fever.

It added that every batch of its pork came from quality suppliers and was certified by relevant authorities.

The company's shares fell 2.25 per cent on Monday.

African swine fever contamination in Chinese food products raises the chance of its spread to other countries as consumers take food with them overseas to neighbouring Japan, South Korea and Taiwan and even Australia.