For decades, the congee restaurant of Soan long nam in alley 519 Quang Trung, Cam Thanh ward, Quang Ngai province has not only been a familiar breakfast address, but also a part of the culinary memories of many generations of Quang Ngai people. A bowl of hot, fragrant congee, a plate of soft and fatty boiled intestines... used to be the something that attracted people far from home every time they returned.
However, for more than half a month now, the restaurant has been closed. Not because of a lack of ingredients, not because the restaurant owner wants to rest. And because there are... unprecedented absences since the outbreak of African swine fever in Quang Ngai.
Not only Soan congee restaurant, according to the reporter's observation, many famous restaurants specializing in processing pig dishes such as pork vermicelli, grilled ribs... have also hung signs temporarily off, or switched to selling other dishes for a while. A once vibrant culinary scene suddenly fell into a "winter sleep".
"Quang Ngai people like the most processed dishes from pork such as congee, grilled ribs, tournage, sausage... Famous restaurants are often crowded, it is normal to wait 3 - 5 minutes to eat. But now when I go along the street, I see the shops closed, it's no different from when COVID-19 broke out" - Mr. Tran Van Nam (Truong Quang Trong ward) confided.
According to records, although pig-based dishes are a favorite dish of Quang Ngai people, many people still "turn around" to choose another safer dish.
Mr. Tran Ngoc Dung, residing in Cam Thanh ward, Quang Ngai province, shared: In the past, my friends and I often ordered dishes such as stir-fried turmeric, grilled meat, and grilled meat when eating at the restaurant because they were both delicious and cheap. However, since the outbreak of African swine fever, we have been afraid and dare not eat any more. Although we know that the pork has been carefully quarantined and processed cleanly, it still feels greasy and cannot be enjoyed with peace of mind like before.
According to the Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine of Quang Ngai province, the veterinary sector is closely coordinating with authorities at all levels to control the source of pigs and pig products. Pork in the epidemic area can only be slaughtered when the test result is negative for the African cholera virus, there are quarantine markings and food safety certification.
Notably, the virus that causes the disease does not spread to humans. Therefore, consumers should not boycott clean pork. The important thing is to choose to buy at reputable locations with disease control, cook thoroughly and absolutely avoid using raw dishes such as blood pudding and nem chua.
According to the Department of Agriculture and Environment of Quang Ngai province, in less than 1 month, from June 27 (the day of the first outbreak in Nghia Giang commune) to now, African swine fever has occurred in 2,354 livestock farms in 301 villages, 37 communes and wards in Quang Ngai.
In total, nearly 15,300 pigs were infected with the disease and forced to be destroyed with a total weight of nearly 850 tons.
