Jeongeup-si to Conduct Comprehensive Inspection of Ritual and Gift Foods Until the 18th

[Jeongeup=Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Jae-gil] Jeongeup City in Jeonbuk Province will conduct a comprehensive inspection of ritual and gift foods at food manufacturing businesses within the city until the 18th in preparation for the Lunar New Year holiday.

According to the city on the 9th, this inspection is being promoted to strengthen hygiene management of ritual and gift foods that many citizens purchase in preparation for the Lunar New Year holiday and to prevent the distribution of illegal and substandard foods in traditional markets frequently used by many citizens.

The inspection activities will involve 12 inspectors divided into 4 teams, jointly from the city and consumer food hygiene monitors.

The inspection targets include 112 businesses in 4 major food manufacturing sectors producing holiday seasonal foods, 15 large supermarkets, 25 other food retail stores, 48 on-site manufacturing and processing businesses within traditional markets, and 24 general restaurants within traditional markets.

Key inspection items include hygienic management of machines and equipment directly used in food manufacturing and processing, sales of foods past their expiration (distribution) dates, appropriateness of raw materials used, sales of illegal or substandard foods, and hygienic handling of foods in food service establishments.

The city plans to immediately correct minor violations on-site for businesses found in violation during this inspection.

For traditional markets, which are vulnerable in terms of hygiene, the city intends to enhance guidance, enlightenment, and education rather than focusing solely on crackdowns, aiming to raise hygiene standards and ensure the safety of foods sold.

A city official stated, “We will eradicate unhygienic foods through this inspection,” and added, “We will do our utmost to create a safe food environment so that citizens can purchase seasonal foods with confidence.”

Jeongeup=Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Jae-gil baekok@asiae.co.kr