Officials from the Consumer Protection, Competition and Fraud Repression Directorate-General (CCF) and the General Department of Animal Health and Production burned nearly two tonnes of pork and frozen pig organs after the illegally imported meat was discovered to be infected with African Swine Fever (ASF).

CCF director-general Phan Oun said 1,760kg of infected pork products was destroyed on February 17.

“My officials are still working to identify those responsible for the illegal imports,” he added.

The meat in question was seized in Phnom Penh, according to Hun Sarath, deputy director-general of animal health and production.

Sarath said his officials had inspected several locations in cooperation with the CCF team.

“As our team suspected, we discovered several premises which were storing and selling non-compliant fresh and frozen meat products. These products had no clear sources,” he said.

He noted that once the meat had been tested and found to contain traces of ASF, it was taken to the Dangkor district landfill and burnt immediately.

“We instructed the owners of the businesses to cease the sale or trade of any meat products without a clear source of origin. They signed contracts agreeing to our request,” he added.

Sann Chanthet, president of the Cambodia Pig Supply Association, hailed the action.

“I welcome the action taken by the officials. I encourage the authorities to punish the law-breakers to the fullest extent of the law, in order to protect the interests of law-abiding farmers and traders – and to protect the health of consumers,” he said.

Under Article 115 of the Law on Animal Health and Products, the intentional import of contaminated or infected, low-quality animal products or animal products harmful to human or animal health carries a prison sentence of two to five years and is subject to a fine of between 10 and 50 million riel ($2,500 and $12,500).