AVA clarifies rumours that China-imported bak kwa contains rat meat

SINGAPORE - The Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority of Singapore (AVA) has clarified rumours circulating via e-mail that the majority of bak kwa (barbecued pork) sold in Singapore imported from China may contain rat, fox and mink meat.

In a press statement released on Monday (Feb 1), AVA assured the public that the majority of bak kwa sold in Singapore is produced locally from raw pork sourced from countries such as Australia, Brazil and Spain. Less than five per cent is sourced from two establishments in China that have been approved to export semi-processed frozen sliced pork to Singapore, the statement also said.

According to AVA, imported meat items are required to be accompanied with health certificates duly endorsed by the overseas authority. AVA also conducts inspections on the imported food items, where samples are obtained for food safety tests.

AVA also said that there is no establishment in Malaysia approved to export bak kwa to Singapore.

stephluo@sph.com.sg