An end to a slurpy delight

Big harvest: Shark fins being dried at a processing factory in Kesennuma city, Miyagi prefecture. Several American states have banned the selling of shark fins. - AFP

With the shark fin ban, a slice of Asian culture ends in California.

AN ancient Asian dining tradition has come to an end in California, and grocer Emily Gian is none too happy. Gian had slashed prices on shark fins, the astoundingly expensive ingredient of a coveted and ceremonial soup, in hopes she would sell out before a California ban on sale or possession of the delicacy on July 1.