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IE Panda Express Stirs Controversy With New Corn Fried Rice As Egg Prices Skyrocket

POMONA (CBSLA.com) — A new recipe at a local Panda Express is causing controversy among customers, after the chain had to drop scrambled eggs from its fried rice due to rising prices.

Jesse Gonzales and his dad just took their first bite of the new menu item the Chinese food chain is trying out in the Inland Empire. Panda axed the egg and added corn.

"[There is] no taste. You just taste the corn. That's basically all you taste," Gonzales said.

There's a sign inside the store in the Inland Empire that explains: "Due to an industry wide shortage of eggs, Panda is testing a new recipe."

Customers tweeted the company, one writing: "You have betrayed me. You replaced the egg in your fried rice with corn. What is wrong with you?!"

"The corn, I understand, is really not so good for you. It doesn't digest all that well," customer Nick Karavedas said. "I mean, I'm kind of indifferent about it, but if I had to choose I would want the egg back."

A company spokesperson says the shortage could last between 18-24 months and blamed the switch on rising egg prices nationwide as well as bird flu.

But that hasn't stopped some locals from indulging in the revamped menu item.

"I like it. And I'm taking home some," one customer said, take-out bag in hand.

Others offered their approval online.

"I like the corn," a Panda fan tweeted, followed by a thumbs up.

The company spokesperson also said Panda Express has pulled its hot and sour soup because of the egg shortage. The one thing that hasn't changed is the price of the fried rice.

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