After an announcement last week that markets in Rangoon were inadvertently selling fake eggs, consumers have reacted with suspicion, decreasing the number of eggs sold in the area.

Last week, in a bizarre and yet unresolved circumstance, the Burmese government controlled newspaper, The New Light of Myanmar, reported on July 31st, that some area markets were selling fake eggs.

“The demand for eggs is going down compared to last month after the news spread about the fake eggs entering into Burma from some borders,” said a sales person from a general store at the Bogyoke market in Rangoon. Despite the decrease in sales egg prices have remained the same.

Residents from Yankin and Bahan townships have refused to buy eggs after they heard the fake eggs were made from several unidentified chemicals, according to one resident. It is yet unclear where the fake eggs come from. Many residents have had difficulty even believing that fake eggs were produced, as real eggs are not expensive costing between 100 and 120 kyats for just one egg.

According to the New Light of Myanmar, the fake eggs look nearly identical to the real thing, making their detection difficult before purchase. After analysis the egg appears to be composed of benzoic acid, jelly, several unknown chemical powder, a liquid known as ‘Magic Water, calcium chloride and paraffin wax.

Despite the bizarre schmorgesborg of chemicals in the eggs, the fake eggs remain difficult to detect before purchase. Several techniques have been developed to test an egg to determine its quality, from noting the external texture and color in relation to other eggs, as well as spinning them on a smooth surface, as a fake egg spins faster then a real one.

Not surprisingly the fake eggs have no nutritious qualities, and given their chemical makeup may have ill affects on the consumer’s health, according Burmese medical experts, the New Light of Mynmar reported on July 31st.

Said one Kyimyimmdine resident from Rangoon, “I am careful when I buy eggs after I heard fake eggs [have been] made with chemicals. I don’t eat eggs as much as I did before.”