As news of swine flu outbreaks dominates the media, the national representative
body for Australian pork producers has acted to assure people that they should
not be concerned about eating pork or pork products.
Australian Pork said Australian consumers can have the “utmost confidence in the
wholesomeness and disease free status of Australian pork”.
“Australian pork and processed products are safe to eat,” Australian Pork said
in a media release. “The global concern with so-called swine flu has been
declared as not being a food-borne safety issue by leading world and local
health organisations.
“Consumers should also realise that swine flu is a disease that does not exist
in Australian pigs.”
The Australian Veterinary Association also issued a release ruling out any
threat to Australian pigs or any health issues from eating pork.
“Australia has well organised medical and veterinary response arrangements in
place to identify and manage any outbreak if swine flu reaches Australia,” said
AVA president, Dr Mark Lawrie.
“Australian doesn’t import pigs so we’re not worried about animals getting sick
or spreading this disease.
“People should have no qualms about going ahead and eating pork. Swine flu is
not spread through food. In any case, the swine flu virus is inactive as soon as
the meat reaches 70°C during cooking.”
