Mokpo Fisheries Food Support Center Establishes Customized Product Development Based on Consumer Patterns

Third Nationwide Approval of Physical Testing Method for Elderly-Friendly Foods

Aerial view of the Mokpo Fisheries Food Support Center Foundation. Photo by Mokpo City

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Seunghyun Jeong] The Mokpo Fisheries Food Support Center Foundation (hereinafter referred to as the Support Center), located in Mokpo City, Jeollanam-do, announced on the 24th that it has been approved for the texture testing method in accordance with the revision of the Enforcement Decree of the Senior-Friendly Industry Promotion Act, becoming the third in the nation and the first in Jeollanam-do to receive such approval.

As a result, the Support Center can now provide testing and analysis for 38 physicochemical items and 33 microbiological items as a self-quality entrusted testing and inspection institution.

Since the designation system for Senior-Friendly Excellent Foods (hereinafter referred to as Excellent Foods) has been in effect since May 31, the Support Center has obtained approval for the texture testing method among the accredited test items for the development and quality control of senior-friendly foods to promote food development and market activation for the elderly.

To be designated as a Senior-Friendly Excellent Product, the food must meet criteria such as maintaining the taste and form of the food while making it easier to chew and swallow, and supplementing nutrients that are often deficient in the elderly.

The Support Center plans to actively support the establishment of the Senior-Friendly Excellent Food designation system in cooperation with the Senior-Friendly Food Industry Support Center of the Korea Food Industry Cluster Promotion Agency.

A representative of the Support Center stated, “We will support various certifications in the fisheries food sector to develop generation-specific customized fisheries food products that meet consumer trends. Based on the center’s testing and analysis capabilities, we will strive to foster the fisheries food industry in Jeollanam-do.”

Meanwhile, the Support Center recently completed registration as a testing and inspection institution under the Defense Quality Management System of the Defense Technology Quality Institute, establishing a foundation to support inspections for food manufacturing companies in Jeollanam-do, such as those producing seaweed for military supply.