Kimchi panic becomes a "frenzy"

As I reported earlier, problems with Chinese kimchi have rocked Korea recently, and recent developments have whipped already suspicious Koreans into a "frenzy" — this according to the International Herald Tribune.

Last month it was lead in kimchi, and now this Friday it was revealed that roundworm and other parasite larvae has been found in Chinese-made kimchi. This follows reports in July that a carcinogen was found in imported Chinese eels.

The net result has been the unthinkable: Koreans have stopped eating kimchi. At least store bought kimchi, causing a surging demand for locally grown cabbage. As an outsider, it is hard to fathom just how big a deal this has become. Here is a sampling of some of the recent news coverage:
'Kimchi shock' could sour S. Korea's trade with China
Seoul, Beijing Set to Meet Over Kimchi Trade Row
New scare reinforces kimchi suspicions
China voices concerns food scare may spread
China warns of trade retaliation against Korea
China Threatens Retaliation Over Tainted Import Claims