Commissaries adjust to Korea's renewed ban on U.S. uncooked poultry

FORT LEE, Va. (Feb. 9, 2016) – Commissary shoppers in South Korea will continue to see uncooked fresh poultry products from local sources and alternative suppliers with the host nation's renewal of its embargo of U.S. poultry.

South Korea recently renewed its ban after news of avian influenza being traced to farms in southern Indiana. The reversal comes just a few weeks after the country had relaxed year-long restrictions on imports of raw and uncooked poultry products originating from the United States.

For the Defense Commissary Agency's 11 stores in South Korea, the renewed embargo means its shelves will continue to be stocked with uncooked fresh poultry and eggs from local Korean sources and uncooked frozen poultry from a supplier in Australia, said Jack McGregor, logistics chief for DeCA's Pacific Area.

Although the embargo blocks imports of U.S. uncooked eggs, frozen chicken breasts, thighs, wings and whole chickens, it doesn't stop U.S. shipments of cooked poultry products such as pot pies, lunch meat, hotdogs, meal entrees and egg rolls.

About DeCA: The Defense Commissary Agency operates a worldwide chain of commissaries providing groceries to military personnel, retirees and their families in a safe and secure shopping environment. Commissaries provide a military benefit and make no profit on the sale of merchandise. Authorized patrons purchase items at cost plus a 5-percent surcharge, which covers the costs of building new commissaries and modernizing existing ones. By shopping regularly in the commissary, patrons save thousands of dollars annually. A core military family support element, and a valued part of military pay and benefits, commissaries contribute to family readiness, enhance the quality of life for America's military and their families, and help recruit and retain the best and brightest men and women to serve their country.

Media Contact:
Kevin L. Robinson
(804) 734-8000, Ext. 4-8773
kevin.robinson@deca.mil