People have returned to eating pork.

HNN - After a long period of stagnation in the pork market in Hue due to concerns about streptococcal swine disease, people are gradually returning to consuming pork. As a result, meat stalls in traditional markets have started to become bustling again.

Customers choose to buy pork that has been inspected and certified by the veterinary authorities.

The pork market is gradually recovering.

One day at the end of August, while visiting Dong Ba Market, I clearly felt the renewed hustle and bustle of the pork stalls. About a month ago, many stalls were deserted, and some vendors even had to temporarily close due to poor sales. Now, however, the number of customers visiting the meat stalls is much higher, and the atmosphere is lively with buying and selling.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Hoa, a long-time pork vendor at Dong Ba Market, shared that during the outbreak of streptococcal swine disease, customer numbers dropped sharply, and for many days she had to bring the meat back home. However, in the past week or so, customers have returned to buy quite a lot. "We always maintain our reputation in business, only importing goods with clear origins and inspection stamps. Customers shouldn't worry or be suspicious too much," Ms. Hoa said.

According to Ms. Bui Thi Thu Hang, Head of the Dong Ba Market Management Board, pork consumption has increased by about 60% compared to the lowest point during the pandemic. More than 60 stalls run by female traders at the market have resumed business. In addition, Dong Ba Market has 12 stalls specializing in wholesale distribution, with each stall selling an average of 500-1,000 kg of various types of pork daily.

Besides Dong Ba Market, other markets such as An Cuu, Ben Ngu, Kim Long, Phu Bai... also show a similar trend. Ms. Nguyen Thi Chi, a meat vendor at Phuong Duc Market (Thuan Hoa Ward), said that for almost a week, she has sold 15-20 kg of various types of pork every day. Her meat comes from reputable slaughterhouses, with traceable origins and veterinary inspection stamps, so consumers trust her. This is a welcome sign for vendors and livestock farmers after a difficult period.

Not only traditional markets, but also supermarkets and organic food stores in Hue City have recorded a significant increase in purchasing power. A representative from GO! Hue supermarket said that the amount of pork sold last week increased by more than 40% compared to the time when information about the streptococcal swine disease outbreak was released; products with labels and traceability were preferred by customers. Currently, the average daily revenue from pork sales is between 20 and 25 million VND.

Increased confidence through strict control.

People in Hue are gradually returning to the habit of consuming pork thanks to the stricter food safety and hygiene inspections and controls implemented by relevant authorities. The People's Committee of Hue City has directed the health, agriculture , and industry and trade sectors to coordinate and implement many comprehensive solutions such as: strengthening inspections of centralized slaughterhouses, strictly handling illegal slaughtering, and advising people to only use meat that has been inspected and certified.

Mr. Nguyen Van Hung, Head of the City's Livestock and Veterinary Department, said: "We have established working groups to directly inspect slaughterhouses and local markets. Before being released to the market, pork is inspected by veterinary officers and stamped with a slaughter control seal. Consumers can rest assured when choosing products that have a valid inspection seal."

Simultaneously, the health sector has also intensified communication efforts to help people better understand how to prevent and control streptococcal infection in humans. Recommendations such as "eat cooked food and drink boiled water," along with messages against consuming raw blood dishes or undercooked meat, have been widely disseminated. As a result, people are no longer hesitant to eat pork.

Mr. Ho Dang Khoa (Le Thanh Ton Street, Phu Xuan Ward) shared: "Previously, when we heard about the swine streptococcal disease, my family switched to eating fish, chicken, and beef, and hardly dared to buy pork. Recently, seeing news reports that the situation is well controlled, my family feels reassured buying pork with clear inspection stamps at the market. 'Pork is a familiar food, indispensable in our daily meals,' Mr. Khoa said."

The positive changes in consumer thinking are largely due to the decisive intervention of relevant agencies and departments in promptly preventing fraudulent practices in the food business. Establishments violating regulations on the origin and quality of meat are severely punished, contributing to the protection of consumer rights.

According to nutrition experts, pork is a nutritious food source, easy to prepare, and suits the taste of most Vietnamese people. The important issue is that consumers need to change their habits to consume meat safely and avoid unnecessary risks.

Dr. Hoang Thi Bach Yen, Deputy Head of the Public Health Department, Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy, said: “Pork is completely safe if the input is controlled and processed properly. People should buy meat from reputable places with clear inspection stamps; when cooking, it should be thoroughly cooked, and absolutely no raw blood or meat should be eaten. This not only prevents streptococcal infection in pigs but also limits many other foodborne diseases.”

To ensure the sustainable maintenance of the pork market in Hue City, the agricultural sector needs to consider support for livestock farms and continue to prioritize the development of safe supply chains, from centralized breeding and slaughtering to distribution. This is considered a long-term approach to building strong consumer trust and enhancing the value of local livestock products.

Text and photos: Song Minh

Source: https://huengaynay.vn/kinh-te/nguoi-dan-da-tro-lai-dung-thit-lon-157242.html