Seogwipo City Conducts On-Site Survey of Some Shops Around Tourist Attractions
The Jeju dining industry and administrative authorities, which faced fierce criticism over the so-called 'fatty Samgyeopsal,' are working hard to improve their image by inspecting the hygiene status of food ingredients.
Significant Strengthening of On-Site Inspections of Livestock Distribution Companies
On the 8th, Seogwipo City in Jeju announced that it recently conducted a comprehensive on-site survey targeting representative businesses among about 70 pork specialty restaurants around tourist areas. During the investigation, Seogwipo City promoted compliance with the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs' Samgyeopsal quality management manual and inspected the hygiene status of food ingredients such as pork.
The Ministry's manual states that for regular Samgyeopsal, the fat layer should be trimmed to less than 1 cm, removing fat to the extent that does not damage the product's marketability. Pigs shipped from farms undergo half-carcass splitting after slaughter, then are processed into front leg, body, and hind leg parts.
Subsequently, fat trimming work such as separating the original Samgyeopsal is performed. This process is mostly handled by distribution and processing companies, and restaurants receive the processed pork to serve to customers. Accordingly, Seogwipo City has also significantly strengthened on-site inspections of livestock distribution companies supplying pork and other meats.
The Food Service Division of the Jeju Tourism Association has also pledged to take the lead in improving the image by making its own efforts to comply with government recommendations.
Restaurant Involved in 'Fatty Samgyeopsal' Controversy Eventually Apologizes
The controversy over fatty Samgyeopsal was triggered by an expos? post on an online community at the end of last month. At that time, a post appeared on the online community 'Bobae Dream' stating that the writer had visited a famous restaurant in Jeju and received a chunk of fatty Samgyeopsal. The writer reportedly complained to the staff after receiving the meat, but the staff took no particular action. As the controversy grew, the restaurant owner said, "Regardless of the facts and reasons at the time, I sincerely apologize for the dissatisfaction caused by serving meat with a high fat ratio."
Subsequently, similar controversies over fatty Samgyeopsal continued at other restaurants. In response, Jeju Governor Oh Young-hoon decided to conduct on-site investigations targeting about 70 pork specialty restaurants and livestock distribution companies in the province to prevent recurrence. However, Governor Oh also stated, "It is difficult to excessively intervene in issues related to business operations conducted at the private level," adding, "I think there can be differences in food culture itself. That should also be taken into consideration," which sparked some criticism.
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