September 11, 2023

Japan temporarily stops import of Swedish pigs, pork over ASF concerns

Japan's Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries has temporarily suspend the import of live pigs and pork from Sweden to prevent the spread of African swine fever (ASF) in Japan.

This came after Sweden confirmed an outbreak of the diseases in wild boars in the country on September 7.

The ministry reiterated that the suspension is to prevent live pigs raised in Japan from being infected with ASF, and is not due to food safety concerns.

However, there is also no record of Japan importing live pigs and pork from Sweden during the 2020-22 period.

- Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (Japan)