MFDS: "No Trace of Relevant Metals Found Inside Manufacturing Plant"
Photo submitted reporting metal substances found inside ice cream / Photo by online community 'Blind' capture
[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Kim Nayeon] A controversy has arisen after an unidentified metal chunk was found in Emart24's private brand 'Busan Ssiat Hotteok Cone' ice cream. However, the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) explained that "no foreign substances reported were found within the manufacturing factory."
This incident came to light when a netizen recently posted photos and a message on an online community. On the 4th, a photo showing a large metal object inside the ice cream was reported on an online community.
The reporter wrote, "I was eating ice cream with a friend. Suddenly, my friend showed me something, and I thought a wireless earphone had fallen out. Upon closer inspection, there was a strange metal chunk inside. If I had taken a bigger bite, it could have been a serious accident."
The reporter's friend sent the metal part to the MFDS, and two weeks later, the friend received the results. According to the MFDS, the metal part was a 13.6mm long hexagonal nut.
However, the MFDS stated, "No metal similar to the reported foreign substance was found inside the manufacturing factory," and added, "It was confirmed that foreign substances can be controlled during the filtration and metal detection processes in the product manufacturing process."
They also added, "The mesh size of the filter is smaller than the foreign substance, and in reproduction tests for metal detection using the reported foreign substance, the foreign substance was detected."
Furthermore, "Although the cause of the mixing of the foreign substance could not be clearly identified, administrative guidance was given to the manufacturer to continue thorough foreign substance management," they said.
Emart24 responded to the controversy by stating, "The MFDS investigation concluded that the factory producing the product did not have the metal substance reported in the complaint," and added, "However, we are conducting our own investigation to prepare for any possible scenarios."
They continued, "We sincerely apologize to customers who experienced discomfort due to the foreign substance in the product," and added, "We will do our utmost to ensure quality control so that such incidents do not recur."
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