December 5, 2019

Germany's meat industry concerned over probable shortages from increased pork prices

A "schnitzel alarm" has been announced by the Federal Meat Industry Association (BVDF) as the African swine fever (ASF) outbreak has caused a price surge and bidding war between global meat importers, reported BBC News.

BVDF said pork prices have increased as China continues to purchase meat overseas to supplement dwindling supplies in the country, resulting in rising demand around the world for pork.

Sarah Dhem, BVDF president said sausages in the country will definitely be costlier. The demand for more pork means producers are rushing to produce more meat with an imminent danger to animal welfare and sustainable farming initiatives.

Germany has not reported a positive ASF case. However, several wild boar infected with ASF were discovered dead along Germany's borders - 70 kilometres away in Poland on October 2019.

China has said that it will release pork from its central reserve to manage prices ahead of the upcoming Chinese New Year celebrations.

-      BBC News