Exposure of Sundae Production in Unsanitary Conditions
Insects Found Under Sundae Steamer
Company States "All Sundae Produced at the Time Was Disposed... Facility Repairs Completed"
On the 2nd, an internal process video of A Sundae manufacturer released by KBS '9 o'clock News' showed water dripping from the factory ceiling mixing with the seasoned glass noodles inside the Sundae. Photo by KBS '9 o'clock News' video capture
[Asia Economy Reporter Park Hyun-joo] A controversy has arisen following reports that a sundae (Korean blood sausage) supplier is manufacturing sundae in unsanitary conditions. It is known that the products made by this company are supplied to several large supermarkets and catering companies. The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety has launched an unannounced hygiene inspection of the factory in question.
On the 2nd, KBS '9 o'clock News' released internal footage of the A Sundae manufacturing company filmed earlier this year. The video shows water dripping from the factory ceiling mixing with the seasoned glass noodles inside the sundae. An employee of the company, Mr. A, explained in an interview with KBS, "(The water dripping from the ceiling) is from frozen pipes or somewhere that melted and is dripping."
The footage also captured scenes of bugs clinging densely under a large steamer used to steam the sundae, and frozen pig intestines used for the sundae casing being thawed on the bare floor.
According to the report, a representative of the company acknowledged the ceiling leakage and the presence of bugs inside the factory. The representative stated, "All the sundae made at that time was discarded, and we called a professional company to remove all the bugs." They also said that the facilities were repaired and corrective measures were taken regarding the water leakage and bug infestation.
Another released video showed various types of already manufactured sundae, such as Chalsundae and Nude Sundae, being ground together. The video informant claimed, "The company repackages products that are difficult to sell by using them as ingredients for new sundae."
If these claims are proven true, it could constitute a violation of the Act on Labeling and Advertising of Foods. The company explained, "It was not sundae close to the expiration date, but only sundae made on the same day that were torn or had damaged packaging that were ground and reused."
According to the report, all products from this company have passed HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) certification and have been supplied to large supermarkets, snack bars, and catering companies, with annual sales reaching 40 billion KRW.
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