May 25, 2011
Sweden to begin pig ear export transaction with China
The Swedish government has acknowledged that it is close to signing a contract for the shipment of pig ears to China, where the anatomical organ is a popular delicacy.
In Sweden, pig ears, along with tails and feet, fetch a low price and are often simply thrown away in the slaughter process. However, the items are in high demand in China.
"The Chinese use these parts as exclusive details," said Sofia Jöngren at the Ministry for Rural Affairs to the political trade publication Riksdag & Departement.
The Board of Agriculture (Jordbruksverket) and National Food Administration (Livsmedelsverket) have been working on securing an export agreement for several years, according to the media.
"We think an agreement is close. We feel that we have received positive signals," Jöngren said.
The agreement would be of significant value to Swedish farmers as only Germany and Denmark have managed to secure similar agreements among the EU countries.
However, certain issues remain unresolved and Chinese authorities are expected to conduct an inspection of Swedish pork products production to ensure that hygiene standards are met.
In Chinese cuisine, a pig's ear is often served as an appetizer or a side dish. The delicacy can be either boiled or stewed and is typically served thinly sliced and accompanied by soy sauce and spiced with chili paste.
