Controversy Over Draft Beer Mixed with Spilled Beer and Foam... MFDS Says It's Okay as It's Not Leftover

Explained as New Beer with Less Foam, Not Served from Partially Drunk Beer

Recently, a video showing a staff member at a franchise bar pouring draft beer from a metal container that had collected spilled beer from a customer's order sparked controversy over 'reuse.' However, the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) has determined that this case does not fall under the criteria for food reuse.

On the 2nd, the MFDS stated regarding the case, "The beer in the container was not beer previously served to customers, so it is difficult to apply administrative sanctions related to food reuse." They explained that since the beer left over by one customer was not served to another customer, the food reuse regulations do not apply.

Food service operators must not reuse or cook food left uneaten by customers. Violations can result in a first suspension of business for 15 days, a second suspension for 2 months, and a third suspension for 3 months. Food service businesses include cafes, general restaurants, karaoke bars, nightclubs, catering services, bakeries, and others.

However, if the act is judged to pose hygiene issues, the local government authorities may conduct on-site investigations for violations of the Food Sanitation Act. If violations by food service operators are confirmed, the authorities can issue corrective orders or suspend business operations as administrative measures.

Meanwhile, on the 27th of last month, a video was uploaded to the YouTube channel 'JjamkkoBubu' showing a bar employee pouring draft beer into a glass from a metal container instead of the draft beer machine after receiving an order for 500cc of draft beer. The employee filled part of the glass with beer from the metal container and then poured draft beer from the machine. It is known that the metal container held beer and foam spilled from the draft beer machine.

Following the controversy, the bar's headquarters released a statement. The headquarters said, "The owner is a beginner who opened the store two months ago," and explained, "We inquired with the liquor company about the issue of excessive foam in slightly frozen beer, and they advised that rinsing the beer glass once before pouring reduces foam. There was a misunderstanding in conveying this information to the staff." They added, "This is not reuse. It is fresh beer with reduced foam."