Hui Wai-kin, deputy chairman of the Pork Traders' General Association of Hong Kong, said the territory used to import pigs in small numbers from Yunfu city in central-western Guangdong, but stopped after pigs in the area showed signs of swine fever.

"Pigs to be exported are branded to show where they come from. This will allow the Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine of China to track down the source of infected pigs easily and ban them from being exported," Hui said.

Mainland media reported earlier this week that pigs in Yunfu city developed symptoms such as fever and lack of appetite in late April and died.

A spokesperson from the Centre for Food Safety said it has contacted relevant authorities across the border and confirmed that no live pigs from Yunfu have been imported into the SAR.

"Every imported pig has a health certificate, and our staff will check its status during import and before slaughter," the spokesperson said.

The latest scare, however, has not affected Hong Kong people's demand for pork.

A butcher, Mr Poon, said he is not worried about a drop in sales because he feels the government's import inspection system is effective.

Source: The Standard