Sales Worth 900 Million Won Without Business Registration
Unlabeled Livestock Products Improperly Stored
Refrigerated warehouse of a livestock product retailer caught violating labeling standards (Photo by Daejeon City)
A company involved in the illegal distribution of livestock products that threaten public health and safety has been caught by the Daejeon Special Judicial Police.
In response to heightened concerns over food poisoning caused by the spoilage and deterioration of livestock products during the summer, the Daejeon City government conducted a two-month special investigation starting in July and uncovered six businesses violating the Livestock Products Sanitary Control Act and related regulations.
This crackdown was part of a special inspection to ensure public health and food safety. Company A was found to have operated a campsite since February 2024 and sold approximately 900 million won worth of meat to customers without registering its business, thereby violating the law.
Company B sold meat displayed at its counter without indicating the type, cut, or traceability number. Companies C and D, both instant meat processing and sales businesses, were caught storing 42.1 kg and 23.6 kg of meat, respectively, in their warehouses without any labeling regarding type, storage method, or expiration date.
Additionally, Company E, another instant meat processing and sales business, failed to comply with standards and specifications for processing, packaging, preservation, and distribution of livestock products. It was found to have improperly stored meat requiring refrigerated conditions by not keeping it within the specified range of -2°C to 10°C and instead storing it in a freezer warehouse.
Furthermore, Company F, also an instant meat processing and sales business, was found not to have conducted the mandatory periodic self-quality inspections for its processed products, which are required for livestock product safety. The company failed to adhere to the regulation that mandates inspections of ground processed meat products and extracted meat products at least once every nine months.
According to the Livestock Products Sanitary Control Act, unregistered business operations or violations of self-inspection requirements are subject to imprisonment of up to one year or a fine of up to 10 million won. Violations of standards, specifications, or labeling requirements may result in imprisonment of up to three years or a fine of up to 30 million won.
The Daejeon City government plans to conduct further investigations into the companies caught in this operation and will pursue legal action. It also intends to request administrative measures from the relevant district offices.
Park Ikkyu, head of the Civil Affairs Judicial Police Division, stated, "We cannot tolerate any illegal distribution of livestock products that threatens the health and safety of our citizens under any circumstances," and added, "We will continue to strengthen ongoing monitoring and crackdowns to prevent the distribution of illegal or substandard livestock products."
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