The Ministry of Environment (MOENV) has issued a formal clarification on Oct. 30 regarding false online rumors. These claims inaccurately suggest that the ministry "deliberately undermined" local food waste disposal efforts or unfairly linked performance evaluations to the African swine fever outbreak. The MOENV categorically states that these allegations are unfounded and do not reflect the facts.

Food waste treatment evaluations are designed solely to assess the efficiency of collection, transportation, and disposal systems across counties and cities. Following the Ministry of Agriculture’s ban on food waste as swine feed, it is critical that local emergency measures comply with environmental guidelines to prevent secondary pollution.

The MOENV has maintained full transparency by providing comprehensive system records, statistical data, and expert guidance. By formulating the "Guidelines for the Ban on Using Food Waste to Feed Pigs," the ministry ensures that local governments have the necessary tools to safeguard public health while supporting national epidemic prevention.

The ministry has established the “African swine fever prevention emergency response center – food waste treatment task group/central forward coordination office for food waste disposal.” starting on Dec. 31, daily meetings will be convened with county and city governments to coordinate communication among ministries and local governments, integrate nationwide food waste disposal capacity, and ensure that during the period of the ban on pig feeding with food waste, food waste is handled safely, swiftly, and properly, while balancing epidemic prevention and environmental safety.

The MOENV urges the public to stop spreading unverified rumors that cause unnecessary social misunderstanding. The ministry will continue to assist local governments with professionalism and transparency in advancing food waste resource recovery and sustainable environmental management.