On May 23, First Vice Minister of Economy and Finance Kim Beomseok, who is currently serving as Acting Minister, addressed concerns about potential instability in the chicken supply due to the outbreak of avian influenza (AI) in Brazil. He stated, "The government will only allow imports of chicken produced in regions of Brazil where AI has not occurred, and will make every effort to ensure there are no disruptions in the chicken supply."
Kim made these remarks while presiding over a meeting of vice ministers on price-related affairs at the Government Complex Seoul. The government has determined that major chicken importers currently have enough inventory to last two to three months. Therefore, it is expediting the ongoing import risk assessment, negotiations with the exporting country, and administrative procedures to enable the swift resumption of Brazilian chicken imports. At present, major domestic importers are estimated to have about two to three months' worth of Brazilian chicken in stock.
The government is also pursuing measures to expand domestic supply. It will temporarily extend the production period for broiler breeders (lifting the current ban on the production of hatching eggs from breeders older than 64 weeks, with no time limit), and will also allow an increase in the intake of chicks to boost domestic production. Kim added, "At the same time, we will diversify import sources and strengthen quarantine measures to stabilize both supply and hygiene, thereby alleviating public concerns."
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