Vissan accounted for around 600 pigs a day, or 10 percent of total supply, but other suppliers like Sagrifood and Masan have abundant capacity and could pick up the slack to make up for the shortage, Nguyen Nguyen Phuong, deputy director of the city Department of Industry and Trade, said.

Vissan on Wednesday stopped deliveries to supermarkets and stores after 43 workers were diagnosed with Covid. It has informed relevant authorities it could to stop all operations from three to four weeks.

Retail chains Saigon Co.op, Satra and Aeon Mall have all said they have adequate supply after increasing buying from their suppliers.

Officials have said neighboring provinces, especially Dong Nai which farms nearly 2.5 million pigs, have enough to supply to HCMC if needed.