According to preliminary investigations by the Finnish Food Authority, African swine fever (ASF) has been detected in wild boars found dead in Southeast Finland. The Food Authority's results have been verified at the EU Reference Laboratory (EURL) for ASF in Spain.
Immediate action has been taken to limit the spread of the disease.  

HKFoods has no contract producers of pork within the infected zone designated by the authorities. The detection has no impact on HKFoods’ deliveries in Finland or the EU. 

Export restrictions on countries outside the EU have come into force. Exports of pork and pork products to China and Japan, for example, have been suspended until further notice. HKFoods will redirect the products subject to these restrictions to other target markets. Authorities are negotiating the resumption of exports to other non-EU countries.

Finnish pig farms comply with strict disease control measures

ASF does not infect humans and pork is safe to eat.

HKFoods safeguards its production chain by complying with official guidelines and regulations, as well as its own guidelines and contingency plans. 

Pigs in HKFoods’ animal production chain have no contact with wild animals. All contract farms observe strict disease control measures and good feed hygiene. Feeding pigs food waste of any kind is prohibited to prevent the spread of infection. Furthermore, no unauthorised visitors are permitted on rearing premises to prevent the spread of animal diseases.

The authorities regularly assess disease control measures in HKFoods’ primary production through farm visits.

We are closely monitoring the development of the animal disease situation in collaboration with the authorities and keep our contract producers informed of any developments. When necessary, we will decide on additional measures together with experts from the Animal Health ETT and the authorities.

Further information:

Finnish Food Authority:     

HKFoods Plc, CEO Juha Ruohola, tel. +358 400 647 160
HKFoods Media Service Desk, tel. +358 10 570 5700 or communications@hkfoods.com.

With 110 years of experience, we at HKFoods make life tastier – today and tomorrow. With nearly 3,000 professionals, we make locally produced food for consumers’ various food moments. Our well-known brands in Finland are HK®, Kariniemen® and Via®. HKFoods is a publicly listed company, and in 2025, our net sales totalled EUR 1 billion. www.hkfoods.com