Consumer Agency Investigates 20 Locations in the Seoul Metropolitan Area
[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Chunhan] It has been revealed that some unmanned cafes and study cafes are not complying with quarantine rules to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
On the 5th, the Korea Consumer Agency conducted an investigation on whether 20 unmanned cafes and study cafes (10 each) located in the metropolitan area complied with COVID-19 quarantine rules and managed hygiene and safety facilities properly. The results showed that 18 places (90%) allowed entry regardless of whether visitors had a fever.
Among the surveyed locations, unmasked users were found in 2 places, and 12 places either did not have thermometers or had thermometers that were not functioning. Three places did not provide visitor logs essential for tracing infection routes or left handwritten logs that had not been updated for over a month. Seven places did not enforce distancing between seats.
General bacteria exceeding the safety standard for food service establishments (1,000 cfu/ml) were detected in the ice of 3 unmanned study cafes. Among 12 places equipped with water purifiers, 10 had general bacteria exceeding the drinking water quality standard (100 cfu/unit) on the water purifier spouts. In 6 out of the 20 places, general bacteria exceeding the standard for beverages from vending machines (10,000 cfu/unit) were detected on the coffee machine spouts. Some water purifiers and coffee machines also tested positive for coliform bacteria.
Regarding fire safety facilities, 7 places did not have fire extinguishers, and some of the extinguishers present were poorly maintained, either having improper pressure or being placed in inconspicuous locations. Three places did not have sprinklers installed, and 7 places lacked emergency exits. Among the 13 places with emergency exits, 3 had obstacles blocking passage in front of the exits, and 1 had high-voltage electrical equipment along the evacuation route, raising concerns about secondary safety accidents. Half of the unmanned cafes surveyed (5 places) were registered as food vending machine businesses and thus were not obligated to install safety facilities. Nine unmanned study cafes were registered as facility rental businesses and were not subject to Food Sanitation Act regulations.
A representative from the Consumer Agency stated, "As COVID-19 cases are rising again recently, it is necessary to strengthen safety inspections of unmanned cafes and study cafes," adding, "We plan to request relevant ministries and local governments to enhance supervision and clarify business category distinctions."
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