Cockroaches Found in Popular Food Court Dishes... Vendor Says "It Happens Often, I Just Let It Go"

Insects Found Inside Food at Famous Shopping Mall Food Court
Record Situation and Photos When Foreign Objects Are Found in Food

A netizen claimed that a cockroach was found in food at a food court in a famous shopping mall in Seoul.

On the 7th, a post titled "Found a cockroach in restaurant food" was uploaded on the self-employed community 'Apeunikka Sajangida' (Because It Hurts, I'm the Boss). The author, Mr. A, said, "My whole family went shopping at a department store in Seoul. My younger brother didn’t want to shop, so he went alone to eat at a restaurant, and a cockroach came out of the food." He continued, "He found it after finishing the meal, but my brother said the owner apologized and didn’t want to ruin the restaurant’s business, so he just left. However, he kept feeling unwell, so I got angry and called the restaurant owner," he explained.

A netizen claimed that a cockroach was found in the food at a famous shopping mall food court in Seoul. On the 7th, a post titled "A cockroach was found in restaurant food" was uploaded to the self-employed community "Apeunikka Sajangida." [Photo source=online community "Apeunikka Sajangida"]

Mr. A added, "The owner apologized but said that even with pest control, there are so many cockroaches that it can’t be helped," and "He said he had a similar experience at another restaurant but just let it go." He then asked, "The owner said this happens often in restaurants, but is that really true? I don’t understand that statement. Am I the strange one?"

Finally, he said, "I want to ask restaurant owners. I’m planning to report this to the Food Hygiene Department next week. Is that too harsh?" and sought advice. Netizens responded with comments such as, "Cockroaches can enter the store, but coming out of the food is a problem," "You must report it," and "If you just let it go, there will be more victims next time."

Meanwhile, protesting when foreign substances are found in food is a consumer’s right. However, to report the damage and receive compensation, it is necessary to prove as much as possible that foreign substances were in the food. The Food Safety Information Service recommends following these procedures if foreign substances are found in restaurant-prepared food. First, record the situation when the foreign substance was found and take photos of the foreign substance and the food.

It is helpful to remember details such as biting into the food and feeling something hard or seeing the foreign substance immediately upon opening the lid. Next, do not discard the foreign substance but keep it in a zipper bag or container. Without the foreign substance, an accurate investigation is difficult. Also, secure proof of purchase such as receipts. Then, call 1399 without an area code and report the restaurant name, address, ordered food, and the situation in which the foreign substance was found.

Once the report is received, investigative agencies such as the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety or local governments will conduct a cause investigation and inform the reporter of the results. If it is delivery food, you can also report it through the delivery application (app). According to the Food Sanitation Act, delivery app companies that receive foreign substance reports must notify the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, so the process is essentially the same.

The manufacturer of the problematic food may face various administrative sanctions depending on the foreign substance found and the degree of negligence. For restaurants or bakeries, this usually results in corrective orders or business suspension for 2 to 20 days. The person responsible may face imprisonment for up to 5 years or a fine of up to 50 million won. However, if the report is made too late after the foreign substance is found, evidence such as the foreign substance may deteriorate, making investigation difficult. Occasionally, malicious consumers falsely report foreign substance contamination. If a false report is made, under Article 98, Clause 3 of the Food Sanitation Act, the person may face imprisonment for up to 1 year or a fine of up to 10 million won.