May 21, 2008

South Korea's seafood consumption up amid animal disease fears

With bird flu having encroached upon the capital and mad cow disease in US beef a daily concern flashing across the TV screens, South Koreans are looking to the sea for their safe haven as far as food is concerned.

Discount retailer Megamart says seafood sales so far this month have jumped 40 percent compared to the same period last month, Korean newspaper Chosun reported.

Megamart saw sales of mackerel rise 55 percent over last year, while sales of squid grew 20 percent, and shrimp sales rose 70 percent. Packaged seafood sales doubled from last month.

Stable prices for seafood have also led to their popularity among consumers, the paper reported.