Business owner reused fish cakes left by customers after washing... Part-timer fired the next day after pointing it out

Remaining Fish Cakes in Eomuktang Served to Next Customer
Part-time Worker Who Raised Issue Fired Same Day
Seller Cannot Be Punished Without Evidence of Reuse

A restaurant that reuses leftover fish cakes from fish cake soup has been exposed. Moreover, the restaurant showed no signs of remorse, even firing a part-time worker who raised the issue, sparking controversy. However, since administrative sanctions related to food recycling are insufficient and sellers cannot be punished without evidence, there is a growing call to strengthen administrative measures.

On the 20th, a post titled "I want to punish a bar that reuses leftover fish cakes" was posted on an online community, drawing attention. The author, Mr. A, said, "Recently, my nephew started working part-time at a bar that sells fish cakes," and added, "A few days ago, my husband and I also visited that place."

However, the establishment provided fish cakes to customers, charged them only for the amount they ate, and reused the leftover fish cakes. Mr. A claimed, "The fish cakes stayed on the customer's table for 2 to 3 hours, during which saliva probably splattered and drinks spilled, but they took those leftovers, replenished the insufficient amount, and served them to other customers."

Because his nephew thought it was "disgusting," he rinsed the leftover fish cakes once in the dishwashing area and collected them. When the owner asked why he kept rinsing the fish cakes, the nephew replied, "Wouldn't it be better to wash them once before serving?" However, the owner's opinion was different. The owner fired the nephew on the spot, saying, "A young kid like you has no flexibility or social skills," after seeing him rinse the leftover fish cakes and serve them to customers.

Mr. A shared his upset feelings, saying, "(My nephew) is kind-hearted and gentle but upright and diligent," and "I comforted him by saying, 'You are right. You did well,' but he blamed himself, wondering if he couldn't adapt to social life, and cried." He added, "When I called the local health center, I was told that the establishment had been reported several times," and "The health center said, 'We will investigate, but without CCTV in the kitchen and evidence, it is difficult to punish them,'" claiming that reporting is practically difficult. He also added, "I am sharing this to ensure that just actions in the society we move forward to do not revert in unfair ways."

Netizens who read the story responded with comments such as, "Please disclose the name of the establishment for the public good," "It's horrifying to think about eating fish cakes left by someone with a disease transmitted by saliva," "I've seen fish cake skewers being reused, but this is the first time I've seen a place reuse fish cakes," and "If they don't get punished even after reporting, how can anyone dare to go to a bar?"

Meanwhile, according to Article 44, Paragraph 1 of the Food Sanitation Act, business operators and their employees have the duty to strive for hygiene management, order maintenance, and the promotion of public health. Therefore, reusing leftover food is punishable under the relevant provisions. In addition, businesses may face disadvantages such as suspension of operations (▲1st suspension: 15 days ▲2nd suspension: 2 months ▲3rd suspension: 3 months) and may be subject to imprisonment of up to three years or a fine of up to 30 million won.