February 15, 2008

Poultry safety at doubt in India's West Bengal despite lifted ban
 

Skepticism at poultry consumption remains despite the lifting of ban on sales by West Bengal's authorities.

There are mixed feelings about poultry consumption, as the people either do not wish to risk it, or that they held suspicions as to why mutton is still the preferred meat at weddings if poultry is completely safe.

Many people appeared to have chosen to observe the situation first, while some simply made a dash for chickens and eggs on Wednesday (February 13, 2008).

Prices for whole chicken is about Rs40-45 per kilogram, and sellers warned that prices might be driven up as high as Rs100 sooner than later due to an imbalance in demand and supply.

However, the West Bengal Poultry Forum allayed fears of a possible price hike, emphasizing that stocks supplied to local markets are fresh.

"There is no question mark over the stocks," said Madan Mohan Maity, chairman of National Egg Coordination Committee, West Bengal.