Strong Enforcement of Targeted Crackdowns Linked to Imported Seafood Distribution History Management System
[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Park Saeyan] Gyeongsangnam-do announced on the 14th that it will strengthen the crackdown on origin labeling of imported seafood from foreign countries such as Japan.
Recently, due to the Japanese government's decision to discharge radioactive contaminated water from the Fukushima nuclear power plant accident into the ocean, public interest has increased, and key items for inspection include red sea bream, flounder, and scallops, whose imports are also rising.
Since October 1 last year, the management of distribution tracking for imported seafood was transferred from the Korea Customs Service to the National Fishery Products Quality Management Service under the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries. Gyeongnam-do is cooperating with the National Fishery Products Quality Management Service to utilize the imported seafood distribution tracking system, pre-select target businesses, and conduct joint crackdowns.
Additionally, through guidance at traditional markets and sashimi restaurants, the province is educating businesses to thoroughly implement the origin labeling system so that residents can feel assured.
Furthermore, the Gyeongnam Fisheries Safety Technology Institute is conducting meticulous radiation tests on about 24 domestic seafood species caught in the province, including highly consumed varieties such as mackerel, anchovy, and saury, to ensure the safety of seafood from radioactive substances.
Meanwhile, the province has strengthened crackdowns using imported seafood distribution tracking data, having conducted joint inspections on origin labeling, resulting in three cases of failure to label origin and imposing fines totaling 540,000 won.
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