Novel Coronavirus and MERS... Sales of Related Foods Surge Due to Baseless Folk Remedies

"Kimchi, Onion, Garlic Boost Immunity to Prevent Infection"
Sales and Prices Rise for Foods Mentioned on SNS
All Are Folk Remedies Without Scientific Evidence
"The Best Prevention Is Handwashing"

[Asia Economy Reporter Seungjin Lee] As fear of the novel coronavirus infection (Wuhan pneumonia) grows, folk remedies that were also popular during the SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) and MERS (Middle East Respiratory Syndrome) outbreaks have begun to be shared through social networking services (SNS). These remedies recommend the consumption of foods such as onions and kimchi, claiming they help boost immunity, leading to a surge in sales of related products.

According to SSG.com on the 31st, from the 23rd to the 29th of last week, sales of garlic, onions, kimchi, green tea, and other items increased significantly compared to the same period last year. Garlic and kimchi sales rose by 102% and 97%, respectively, while onions and green tea sales increased by 83% and 66%, respectively.

All these foods have recently been mentioned on SNS and other platforms as immunity boosters that help prevent novel coronavirus infection. In particular, immediately after the fourth confirmed domestic case of the novel coronavirus on the 27th, messages rapidly spread on KakaoTalk, YouTube, and other platforms encouraging people to "eat kimchi," citing that "kimchi protected our people during the 2003 SARS outbreak."

In a military unit in Gangwon Province, it was revealed that soldiers were instructed to cut the top and bottom of onions, which have antibacterial properties, like 'ritual fruits' and place 3 to 4 bulbs indoors. Following this, some citizens spread the notion that onions are government-certified infection prevention foods.

The prices of related foods have also risen. According to the Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corporation, prices for napa cabbage, onions, and garlic began to rise slightly from the 27th, both at wholesale and retail levels. In contrast, prices for major agricultural and livestock products such as spinach, tangerines, pork, and mackerel showed no change or a slight decrease.

In response, the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention stated on the 30th, "Eating kimchi does not prevent infection with the novel coronavirus. The best preventive measure is handwashing." They also explained that the novel coronavirus spreads not through the air but via droplets such as nasal mucus and saliva from infected individuals, and while onions, garlic, and kimchi contain many beneficial nutrients, they do not have a direct effect on boosting immunity against the novel coronavirus.

A similar pattern was observed during the MERS outbreak in 2015. In June, when MERS-related anxiety began to rise, sales of ginger, sweet potatoes, salmon, and kimchi?mentioned as folk remedies?increased by 10-26% compared to before the MERS spread at E-Mart. As information spread that vitamins boost immunity, sales of fruits, vitamin drinks, and related products also surged.

During the African Swine Fever (ASF) outbreak in September last year, while consumer prices for most agricultural and livestock products rose, a peculiar phenomenon occurred where the consumer price of pork belly fell. Although infected pigs were culled, consumer anxiety that infected pork might circulate in the market affected consumer sentiment.

Moreover, rumors spread that humans could contract African Swine Fever through pork belly consumption, causing a sharp decline in pork belly sales. However, there is no scientific basis for the claim that humans can be infected with African Swine Fever through pork belly consumption.

Regarding this, an industry insider said, "Since this coincides with the Lunar New Year holiday period, we cannot be certain whether the recent increase in sales of kimchi, onions, and other products is due to unfounded folk remedies," but added, "Considering past cases, it is highly likely that prices and sales of related foods will be affected going forward."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.