Yeongam-gun Expands Certified Businesses for 'Domestic Kimchi Voluntary Labeling System'

100% Domestic Kimchi Used for Food Service (Catering) Companies

[Yeongam＝Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Hyun] Yeongam-gun, Jeollanam-do is stepping up efforts to guide the certification process and promote certification activities to expand the ‘Domestic Kimchi Voluntary Labeling System’ certification.

According to Yeongam-gun, as of the 21st, 85 restaurants and 19 school and other meal service facilities in the area have completed certification applications, and they are actively encouraging general restaurants that have not yet applied to complete their applications.

The Domestic Kimchi Voluntary Labeling System was established in response to growing public concern about food safety, following controversies over the international standard of Chinese ‘Paochai’, imported kimchi issues such as ‘naked pickling’ of Chinese kimchi, and hygiene problems of imported kimchi.

This system targets restaurants and group meal service centers that supply or directly make kimchi using 100% domestic ingredients and provide it to customers. Upon application, the Domestic Kimchi Voluntary Labeling Committee (Korea Kimchi Association, a corporation) reviews the application and issues a mark certifying the use of domestic kimchi. The certification period is one year.

Jeon Dong-pyeong, the county governor, stated, “We will continue to promote active participation of businesses to expand the consumption atmosphere of Jeonnam kimchi, representing the Republic of Korea, the birthplace of kimchi, and to create a safe food environment within Yeongam-gun.”