SFA approves import of pig's blood product from Thailand after nearly 30 years

Singapore residents will soon be able to enjoy pig's blood again after local authorities approved the import of such products from an accredited slaughterhouse in Thailand.

In an online circular on Wednesday (April 1), the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) said it has granted approval for heat-treated pork blood products from Bangkhla Pig Slaughterhouse after conducting food safety assessments.

Each consignment of pig's blood products from the accredited slaughterhouse must have an official health certificate issued by Thai authorities, which certifies that the import complies with Singapore's animal health and food safety requirements.

"Traders are reminded that pork and pork products can only be imported from SFA-approved sources," the circular stated.

Periodic interest from stakeholders: SFA

SFA, in response to AsiaOne's queries, said that they will allow the sale of heat-treated pork blood products from Bangkhla Pig Slaughterhouse with effect from April 1, 2026.

This comes after the agency received and assessed an application to import heat-treated pork blood products from the Thai company, making it the first official application since SFA's requirements were established.

SFA pointed out that the supply of blood from locally slaughtered pigs was ceased as a precautionary measure during the Nipah virus outbreak in 1999.

Following this cessation, however, there was periodic interest from industry stakeholders to resume pig blood product supply through imports.

"In response, SFA conducted a risk assessment in 2018 and established requirements for the safe collection and processing of blood for food purposes," said the agency.

Compliance with blood processing, collection and storage standards

SFA added that the Thai establishment's facilities, processes, and quality control systems meet the agency's food safety requirements.

This includes adherence to protocols for blood collection, processing, and storage, as well as ensuring that only blood from healthy animals is used, hygienic collection procedures and appropriate processing temperatures and methods.

SFA added that food safety is a joint responsibility, and that consumers should only purchase food products from licensed retailers and cook thoroughly.

"They should also adopt good food safety practices by preparing and storing food safely to prevent contamination and storing food outside the temperature danger zone (5-60°C) when not consuming," they said.

Expected in Singapore stores within 1 to 2 months

CP Foods Singapore will be the importer of pig's blood from Thailand, reported Lianhe Zaobao on Wednesday.

The food distribution firm reportedly told the Chinese publication that it has been selling pre-packaged pasteurised pig's blood curd from Bangkhla Pig Slaughterhouse in Thailand for years.

The pig's blood product - commonly used in pig's organ soup - is expected to hit the shelves of Singapore in another one to two months, the company added. 

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In 2018, a mala hotpot restaurant chain was fined for selling illegally imported duck's blood.

In 2021, a Thai restaurant was found to be selling a dish containing pig blood curd.

SFA said then that animal blood can easily support the growth of bacteria and harbour diseases, and unhygienic harvesting of blood can introduce food borne pathogens into blood food products.

In 2023, a woman who illegally imported food products including ducks' blood, pigs' blood and sheep's blood from China was fined $12,000, reported CNA then.

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