White Eggs from the U.S. Arrive in Korea as Avian Flu Disrupts Supply
Creatrip Team
2 months ago
South Korea will trial-import 2.24 million fresh eggs from the United States this month to stabilize supply amid severe outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). The Agriculture Ministry said heavy flock culls — about 4.32 million laying hens so far — and higher infection rates have raised the risk of further domestic shortages. The Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corporation (aT) will handle imports and distribute U.S. eggs to major supermarkets and food suppliers after both U.S. and Korean health inspections, followed by washing and disinfection. U.S. eggs are white because they come mainly from White Leghorn hens; Korean eggs are typically brown due to different breeds. Shell color (껍데기) does not affect nutritional content, and imported eggs carry a 5-digit marking (산란일자+사육환경) versus the 10-digit code (산란일자+farm ID+사육환경) used on domestic eggs, allowing consumers to distinguish them.
