Controversy Over Maggots Found in Chicken at Busan Snack Bar Last Month
Investigation Suggests Maggots Appeared Before Frying Chicken
"We Fry Fresh Chicken Daily... Not Our Store," Denies Owner
Last month, a controversy arose after a story spread that maggots poured out of a whole chicken purchased at a snack bar in Busan. A recent investigation suggests that the chicken, from which the maggots originated, was cooked in that condition. On the 17th, Hankook Ilbo reported, "Saha District in Busan recently received the whole chicken with maggots from a complainant and requested analysis from the environmental hygiene company 'Cesco'." The analysis revealed that the maggots found in the chicken had undergone protein denaturation due to heat. In other words, it appears that the chicken was cooked while maggots were already present before frying.
The district also secured CCTV footage showing the owner frying the chicken at the snack bar and the complainant receiving the chicken and heading home. However, since no clear physical evidence was found beyond circumstantial evidence and the owner denied the allegations, no administrative sanctions were imposed. Separately, a fine of 500,000 KRW was imposed for poor hygiene confirmed during the on-site inspection.
The owner told Hankook Ilbo, "We receive fresh chickens every morning and fry them, usually selling out the same day, so the claim that there were maggots is nonsense." The owner reportedly maintained the position that "the chicken is not from our store" regarding the investigation results. However, it is known that the owner expressed the intention to sell other menu items instead of whole chicken following this controversy.
On the 23rd of last month, a post titled "An incident worthy of a broadcast program. Those eating, please do not watch" was uploaded on an online community. The author, Mr. A, posted several photos of whole chicken purchased by his friend, saying, "If you have a weak stomach or are eating, please do not watch."
In the photos posted by Mr. A, maggot eggs were stuck all over the golden-fried chicken leg. Mr. A said, "When my friend was about to eat the chicken and tore off the leg, something white fell off, and a rotten smell filled the air." He added, "My friend said the chicken was already rotten and had maggots, but it seemed to have been fried whole. I don't know if this is acceptable in this day and age." However, after the owner’s complete denial, a controversy over the authenticity arose.
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