WET MARKET

A 'wet market' is generally an open food market. Some of the common names include ''"Cultural Markets"'', ''"traditional markets"'', ''"Gaai Si"'', ''"Gaai See"''^[1].

Contents

Terminology

Characteristics

Wet market vs supermarket

Criticism

Animal cruelty

Hygiene

Warranty

See also

Gallery

References

Terminology

The floors and surroundings are often routinely sprayed and washed with water, to the extent of flooding it at several intervals gave it the name ''"wet market"''.

Characteristics

The main characteristics of the market have traditionally been associated with a place that sells live animals out in the open. The collection may include poultry, fish, reptiles, and pigs. Depending on the region, animals are usually caged and killed for live preparation. Freshly imported fruits and vegetables are also available. Wet market generally combine butcher shops and fish markets in the vicinity. The higher hygiene standards of supermarkets have forced many wet markets to operate indoors.

Wet market vs supermarket

Supermarkets have become heavily industrialized, often using chemicals and other preservatives to mass produce and package for longer shelf life. Wet market products are generally stored for short periods of time and are always expected to be fresh.
For some customers, it is important to see the animal live before being sold. Specifically they may want to check for health condition and quality. This is generally not an option in supermarkets, except in lobster or fish booths.

Criticism

Animal cruelty

In many cultures, freshness is desired over frozen foods. Because of this, animals are often caged in tiny sections of stores. The butchering has historically been performed in front of customers upon requests. The image of butcher shops filled with blood and animal organs dangling in the most cruelest of fashion have been heavily criticized in many countries. The sound of animals squealing during the execution process is disturbing if not contained, though live-slaughter processes are virtually non-existent in modernized wet markets.

Hygiene

If sanitation standards are not maintained, wet markets can easily spread disease and viruses. Because of the openness, newly introduced animals may come in direct contact with sales clerks, butchers and customers. Insects such as flies have relatively easy access to the food products.

Warranty

Depending on the country, food administration groups may or may not require licensing to sell food in the markets. There is usually no return policy. If stale products are sold, liabilities vary greatly depending on how the government manages it.

See also

★ Asian supermarket

★ Pasar pagi

★ Pasar malam

Gallery

References

1. Wordie, Jason. [2002] (2002) Streets: Exploring Hong Kong Island. Hong Kong: Hong Kong University Press. ISBN 962-2095631