Investigations reveal that residues found in Harim Group’s chickens were insects that pose no threat to human health.
South Korea’s No. 1 chicken producer sparked controversy earlier this month over a potential food safety issue.
The chairman of Harim Group said that the presence of foreign bodies found in the firm’s raw chicken would not adversely impact the health of consumers.
Previously, the materials found in the meat were identified as a type of insect, reported Business Korea.
Following investigations carried out by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety and the local authority, they were found to be larvae belonging to the Ptinidae family. This includes spider beetles and deathwatch beetles.
It emerged that the creatures were likely living in the chickens’ bedding at the farm, and that they were eaten by the birds during the fasting period prior to transportation to the slaughterhouse. After arrival at the plant, it appears that the larvae were transferred from the birds’ gizzard to the esophagus.
The company proposed procedures to prevent a recurrence of the issue, and the authorities have announced it will inspect the premises to ensure these measures have been effective.
Recent developments in Harim Group’s business
Earlier this year, Korea Joongang Daily reported that the Harim Group has a 31% share of the domestic chicken market. Among its most popular products are Yonggary- brand dinosaur-shaped chicken nuggets. The firm has announced its aim to expand its business into other foods, meal kits, instant noodles, and microwaveable rice.
One month ago, the Group was reported to be eyeing the acquisition of South Korea’s leading container ship operator, HMM. According to The Korea Economic Daily, the necessary capital was being raised by the sale of all the shares of a Harim subsidiary in Hanjin KAL Co.
More on Harim Group
With annual slaughterings of more than 401 million birds, Harim Group is in the Top 10 poultry companies in Asia, and the largest producer in South Korea. This is according to WATTPoultry.com’s Top Poultry Companies survey.
Under brands Natural Record, Harim IFF, Slim&Light and Yonggari, Harim Group produces fresh and frozen chicken and duck products.
In South Korea, the group’s operations are vertically integrated, including facilities rearing parent and grandparent stock. A U.S.-based subsidiary Allen Harim operates plants in Delaware and Maryland.
In 2022, 16 of South Korea’s leading poultry companies were fined by the nation's antitrust regulator following allegations of long-term collusion over the fixing of chicken prices.
