I thought it was a grain of rice... "Fly eggs on chicken drumstick bought at the market"

Published 17 Jul.2021 01:00(KST)

Updated 17 Jul.2021 16:05(KST)

Chicken drumstick with a white object presumed to be a maggot. Photo by Online Community Capture

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Soyoung] Amid the hot weather, a recent post on an online community has sparked controversy after a substance presumed to be fly eggs was found on chicken drumsticks bought at a market.

On the 13th, a post titled "Why You Should Be Careful with Food Sold at Markets" was uploaded along with two photos on an online community.

The author stated, "I bought four pieces of chicken drumsticks at the market on my way home from work that afternoon, and as soon as I got home, I opened the packaging and ate them." Along with this, the author shared a receipt for the chicken purchase and a photo showing the chicken drumsticks covered with white rice-like particles.

The author explained about the white substance, "Some of you might be seeing this for the first time, so to explain, these are fly eggs." They added, "The owner tried to laugh it off when I mentioned the fly eggs, which is the ironic part," expressing bitterness.

In response to this story, netizens expressed various opinions about food hygiene, such as "They should at least cover the food even if it's displayed," "Honestly, street food is all like that. If it's not homemade, it's all the same. Is it only the market?" and "Not all markets are like this, but usually, it is."

Some netizens were shocked, saying, "I was curious and then saw this, it's too much," "But are fly eggs really that big and numerous? I've never seen this before in my life," and "It is definitely fly eggs. They laid a lot."

Some advised, "Call the local government’s food hygiene department or similar authorities and file an official complaint. At least a hygiene inspection will be conducted. That way, the owner who tries to laugh it off will be a bit more cautious."

The average lifespan of a female fly is about one month, during which she can lay 500 eggs. Flies can multiply into thousands within a short period. Since flies feed on garbage and excrement, it is crucial to prevent their proliferation to avoid spreading germs.