The 'Heukbyeon Snow Crab' Shop Finally Shut Down... "It's Not Rotten" Sparks Controversy Ahead

Suhyup Noryangjin Fisheries Takes 'Strong Measures'
Controversy Remains Over Claims of 'Black Discoloration' Phenomenon

The store in Noryangjin Fish Market that caused controversy by selling blackened snow crabs to high school students has ultimately been 'expelled.' The reason cited was damage to the image of Noryangjin Fish Market.

Store Involved in 'Rotten Snow Crab Controversy' Removed... "Strong Response Due to Damage to Market Image and Order"

On the 23rd of last month, a photo of a snow crab leg with black stains resembling mold was posted on an online community, sparking controversy. [Image source=Captured from online community]

On the 10th, the Noryangjin Fisheries Cooperative announced that after going through the Merchant Disciplinary Committee, it decided to reclaim the merchant's spot and has notified the party. The cooperative stated that while it could not precisely determine whether the controversial snow crab was spoiled or suffering from blackening, the disciplinary level was decided based on the sales confirmation submitted by the seller. The disciplinary committee explained the reason for reclaiming the spot as "selling deteriorated seafood, which damaged the market's image and order."

The Noryangjin Seafood Wholesale Market is managed and operated by the Noryangjin Fisheries Cooperative. From the moment the controversy arose, the disciplinary committee was convened, and the store was suspended from business until the disciplinary level was determined.

The 'rotten snow crab' controversy began on the 23rd of last month when a photo of a cut snow crab leg with black stains resembling mold was posted on an online community. The post's author claimed it was a snow crab bought by their high school son and implied that the merchant sold spoiled snow crab. The post has since been deleted.

Regarding this, merchant A initially explained, "The part-time worker displayed it as is, and it was sold like that," but during the disciplinary process, he reportedly admitted partial fault, saying, "Because ice was not added, the product seems to have deteriorated during the customer's public transportation trip." As the controversy grew, Noryangjin Fish Market reportedly took immediate action, fearing a loss of customers ahead of the year-end peak season.

"Not Rotten but 'Blackening Phenomenon'... No Harm to Health" Opinions Arise... Backlash Against Strong Measures?

Fish columnist Kim Ji-min, who revealed herself tasting black-spotted snow crab through her YouTube channel. [Image source=YouTube video capture]

However, some have argued that the snow crab appeared blackened not because it was rotten but due to the 'blackening phenomenon.' Fish columnist Kim Jimin conducted a simple experiment on his YouTube channel 'Memories of Bites,' explaining the blackening phenomenon and whether it occurs in snow crabs. He also posted a video tasting the blackened snow crab, emphasizing that "the black substance is melanin, and oxidation is different from decay."

He noted, "Cut snow crabs often show the blackening phenomenon and are sold at lower prices," but also pointed out, "Not all blackened crabs are rotten. However, merchants should not exploit this."

Because of this, concerns have been raised about the Noryangjin Fisheries Cooperative's strong response. If the snow crab was not 'rotten' but rather 'blackened,' the merchant A might have suffered greater damage compared to the partial fault admitted.

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