November 24, 2025

Pork safe for consumption, Philippines' Department of Health assures

Amid closures of lechon stores in Quezon City, the Philippines, the Department of Health (DOH) has assured the public that it is safe to eat pork.

The DOH said people cannot acquire African swine fever (ASF) from pigs.

"The ASF is not a health threat to humans," the DOH said while stressing that "it is still safe to eat pork."

According to the DOH, pigs acquire ASF from infected pigs or contaminated food. All the ASF-infected pigs eventually die and cannot spread the disease to people.

Earlier, the Quezon City government ordered the closure of 14 lechon stores in La Loma after several hogs tested positive for ASF.

Disinfection was done in the affected stores.

- The Philippine Star