Malatang and Yangkkochi Delivery Restaurants... 23 Places Cited for Hygiene Violations

MFDS Inspects 4,056 Locations Including Malatang Delivery Restaurants and Unmanned Cafes
Violations Found at 23 Sites for Not Wearing Hygiene Caps or Masks, Expired Consumption (Distribution) Dates
238 Cooked Food Samples Collected and Tested, All Found Suitable

A total of 23 restaurants that prepare and deliver dishes such as Malatang, Yangkkochi, and Hot Pot were found to have violated the 'Food Sanitation Act' and the 'Act on Labeling and Advertising of Foods' by storing expired products or preparing food without wearing masks or hygiene caps.

The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety announced on the 15th that it conducted a focused inspection from the 19th to the 23rd of last month, together with 17 local governments, on a total of 4,056 establishments including restaurants delivering Malatang and unmanned cafes preparing and selling coffee, resulting in these findings.

The main violations were ▲ failure to conduct health checks (10 places) ▲ not wearing hygiene caps or masks (4 places) ▲ storing products past their consumption (distribution) expiration date (5 places) ▲ violation of labeling standards (2 places) ▲ poor hygiene (2 places).

For the businesses caught this time, the relevant local governments will conduct administrative actions and re-inspect within six months to verify whether improvements have been made.

Along with the inspection, 238 samples of prepared foods sold in stores were collected and tested, all of which met the standards and specifications.

Since 2021, the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety has been conducting quarterly focused inspections on restaurants delivering high-consumption items to proactively strengthen hygiene and safety. Last year, inspections were conducted on Malatang and Yangkkochi (1st quarter), Asian cuisine (2nd quarter), bunsik (Korean snack foods) (3rd quarter), and salads, etc. (4th quarter). This year, the inspection targets will be expanded to include various items reflecting consumer trends in addition to Malatang and Yangkkochi.

Furthermore, safety management will be strengthened for large-scale cooking establishments with a high risk of mass food poisoning outbreaks.