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

Terminology

The floors and surroundings are often routinely sprayed and washed with water—to the extent of flooding it at frequent intervals—which 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. Fresh fruits and vegetables are also available. Wet markets 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 its health and quality. This is generally not an option in supermarkets, except in lobster or fish booths. Most wet markets have facilities for allowing a customer to choose a live animal, then either take it home as is or watch it killed and cleaned. Some big-box stores, such as Walmart, provide these facilities in their Far Eastern stores, but not in their U.S. stores.

Criticism

Image

In many cultures, freshness is desired over the welfare of animals, in some cases to the point of animals and fish being butchered and skinned without first being killed. Animals are kept alive as long as possible, and are often caged in tiny enclosures. The slaughter and butchering has historically been performed in front of customers upon request. The image of butcher shops and markets filled with live animals has been heavily criticized in many countries.

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. Many times the carcasses are thrown on the floor to be butchered more easily.

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
• farmer's market

Gallery

Image:Wet_market_singapore.jpg|A wet market in SingaporeImage:HK SYP Market 60402.jpg|Indoor markets are generally more organized than outdoors in Hong KongImage:E8975-Namdaemun-ginseng-and-matsutake-shop.jpg|Live turtles next to pickled ginseng in Namdaemun Market, SeoulImage:Lok_fu_centre_wet_market.jpg|Indoor markets also exist under shopping areas such as this one under Lok Fu Shopping Centre (Chinese).

References

1. Wordie, Jason. [2002] (2002) Streets: Exploring Hong Kong Island. Hong Kong: Hong Kong University Press. ISBN 962-2095631
2. Source: Newsweek, early 2000's, date unknown