Naju-si, In-house Cafeteria Certified for 'Domestic Kimchi Voluntary Labeling System'

[Naju=Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Yukbong] Naju City, Jeollanam-do (Mayor Kang In-gyu) announced on the 24th that the government office cafeteria has been designated as a certified establishment under the Domestic Kimchi Voluntary Labeling System, handling ‘100% domestic kimchi’.

The city recently held a plaque ceremony for the ‘Domestic Kimchi Voluntary Labeling Designation’ at the government office cafeteria.

Through this, it plans to promote the spread of the system’s participation among group meal service providers such as local government offices, public institutions, companies, hospitals, and schools within the jurisdiction.

The ‘Domestic Kimchi Voluntary Labeling System’ was first introduced nationwide by Jeollanam-do in April to establish the status of Korea as the origin country of the traditional Korean food ‘kimchi’ and to revitalize the domestic kimchi market.

The certification is granted by the Domestic Kimchi Voluntary Labeling Committee, formed by Jeollanam-do together with five private organizations: the Korea Kimchi Association, Korea Foodservice Industry Association, Korea Foodservice Central Association, Korea Franchise Industry Association, and Korea Hansik Association.

The committee produces and supports the official certification mark (photo) through a review of establishments (institutions) applying for certification that receive kimchi made from 100% domestic ingredients supplied by manufacturers and distributors or that manufacture and use it directly.

Currently, through cooperation with 17 cities and provinces nationwide, it is promoting the nationwide expansion of the system and the consumption of domestic kimchi.

Applications for designation are submitted to the administrative welfare centers of the town, township, or neighborhood with jurisdiction over the establishment’s location.

Applicants must attach the designation application form, domestic kimchi supply and sales contract (if purchased externally), ingredient purchase statement (if manufactured directly), and photos of the interior and exterior of the establishment as well as menu and origin labeling.

The city has received 212 designation applications, which is 77% of the target, since May, aiming to designate 275 locations by next month.

Mayor Kang In-gyu said, “Through the expansion of the Domestic Kimchi Voluntary Labeling System, we will actively promote the guarantee of food safety for citizens and the revitalization of domestic agricultural product consumption,” and added, “We hope for the interest and participation of many public institutions in the innovation city, government offices, schools, and welfare facility group meal service providers.”

Naju=Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Yukbong bong2910@asiae.co.kr