Factors influencing consumer demand for U.S. pork exported to the Republic of Korea (South Korea)

Ambivalence towards pork belly: exploring its significance and contradictions from the perspectives of the food industry and nutritional science

Pork is the most consumed meat in South Korea, and pork belly is the preferred cut. However, pork production cannot meet the demand, leading to a heavy reliance on imports, particularly for pork bellies. In contrast, low-fat cuts face oversupply problems owing to low demand and export challenges. Pork belly fat content varies with breed, sex, growth rate, and fatty acid composition. Western countries favor higher fat saturation for processed products, whereas South Koreans prefer grilled or roasted bellies. Excessive consumption of high-fat pork cuts like pork belly, which is rich in saturated fatty acids, can increase the risk of severe diseases, highlighting the importance of reducing saturated fat intake and increasing the consumption of monounsaturated fatty acids and polyunsaturated fatty acids to mitigate these risks. The pork industry and public health sector should diversify production, promote leaner pork, and raise awareness about the implications of excessive pork consumption.

How Meat Science Academic Programming Can Facilitate Undergraduate and Graduate Student International Exposure

As the world population increases and the trajectory of meat trade continues to expand across the borders of sovereign nations, it is important for university educators to increase the opportunities that undergraduate and graduate students have for engaging with other cultures. In the future, it is unlikely that students can be successful in a meat-based career without knowledge of the global markets. The Meat Science Group at Colorado State University have tried to offer such opportunities to students by engaging them in research; providing forums for exchange, internships, capacity building, and participating in international scientific meetings; and offering courses that assist students in their understanding of the global marketplace. As the world becomes a smaller place, all such student international activities are becoming a compulsory need to accommodate the Land Grant Mission.