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Staff Reporter
Men and women in uniform will have more vegetables in their meals this year due to the rising price of meat, officials at the Ministry of National Defense said Wednesday.
The provision of meat will, as a result, decrease to some extent, they said.
From next month, the military will serve military personnel 278 grams of meat per day ― currently they have 294 grams.
The number of days serving pork ribs and duck meat will be reduced from 13 to nine and from 12 to nine, respectively, a year. Fifteen grams of lean chicken will be served per day, down from 20 grams.
There will be no change in the provision of beef.
"The readjustment of the menu comes as the price of meat rose by 15 percent last year. On the other hand, the state budget for meals rose by only 4.6 percent," a ministry official said.
The official said, however, the military will instead serve fresh vegetables and seafood.
"The military will serve more balanced and nutritious menu, so there will be no problem with the readjustment," the official said.
More broccoli, paprika, pine mushrooms, oysters and cuttlefish will be served, he added.
South Korea maintains a compulsory conscription service system under which all able-bodied men over 19 are required to serve in the military for about two years.
gallantjung@koreatimes.co.kr
