Gyeonggi Province Intensifies Crackdown on Illegal Food and Livestock Imports Amid African Swine Fever Concerns
Gyeonggi Province, South Korea, is conducting a special investigation targeting the illegal import of food and livestock products to prevent the spread of African Swine Fever (ASF) and safeguard public health. The crackdown, running from February 23rd to March 6th, will focus on areas affected by ASF outbreaks and regions with significant foreign populations.
Focus Areas and Targeted Violations
The Gyeonggi Province Special Judicial Police Team will inspect approximately 240 establishments, including those selling pork and processed pork products, in Anseong, Hwaseong, Pocheon, and Pyeongtaek – areas currently experiencing ASF outbreaks. Inspections will be carried out in Ansan and Siheung, cities with large foreign resident populations.
The investigation will concentrate on identifying several key violations, including:
- Sales of processed meat products (such as sausages, ham, and beef jerky) without proper import declaration.
- Products with unclear origins or lacking Korean language labeling.
- Storage of expired products and breaches of temperature control standards for freezing and refrigeration.
Seizure and Disposal of Illegal Products
Any illegal products discovered during the crackdown will be immediately seized and sent to the Northern Animal Health Testing Laboratory for inspection and subsequent disposal, according to provincial authorities.
Citizen Reporting Encouraged
Gyeonggi Province is actively encouraging citizens to report any suspected illegal activities related to food and livestock imports through its website, call center, and KakaoTalk channel (‘Gyeonggi-do Special Judicial Police Team’).
Preventing ASF Spread and Ensuring Food Safety
Kwon Moon-joo, Chief of the Gyeonggi Province Special Judicial Police, emphasized the importance of the special investigation in preventing the further spread of ASF and ensuring residents can confidently purchase food products. “Through this special investigation, we will do our best to prevent the spread of African swine fever and create an environment where residents can purchase food with confidence,” Kwon stated.
Recent African Swine Fever Cases in South Korea
South Korea has been grappling with outbreaks of African Swine Fever. In September 2025, the first case in approximately two months was confirmed at a pig farm in Yeoncheon County, Gyeonggi Province 1. Further cases were identified in January 2026, prompting restrictions on access to farms in eight cities and regions within Gyeonggi Province 2. An earlier outbreak was also reported in September 2025 in Yeoncheon County 3, leading to a 48-hour standstill order for livestock facilities in surrounding areas 4.
ASF is a highly contagious and deadly disease affecting pigs, but it does not pose a risk to human health. There is currently no vaccine or cure available, making preventative measures and strict biosecurity protocols crucial.