Government Conducts Origin Inspections of Agricultural and Marine Products Ahead of Chuseok

The government is set to conduct origin labeling and safety inspections of agricultural and marine products as online platform transactions increase ahead of the Chuseok holiday.

Due to heavy rains and heatwaves during the monsoon season, vegetable prices have been strong, with the price per head of cabbage rising 9.1% compared to the previous week. On July 30, a customer at a large supermarket in Yangjae-dong, Seoul, is seen examining cabbage. Photo by Jo Yongjun jun21@

This joint inspection by related ministries will target violations of origin labeling and cases where residual pesticides, heavy metals, and other substances exceed appropriate standards in agricultural and marine products and processed goods sold both online and offline. In preparation for the Chuseok holiday, special attention will be given to origin labeling and compliance with safety standards for products in high demand as holiday ritual and gift items, including ▲meat (beef, pork, chicken) ▲fruits ▲greens ▲mushrooms ▲squid ▲yellow croaker ▲abalone, focusing on major agricultural production areas, traditional markets, marts, and restaurants.

Regarding origin labeling of agricultural and marine products sold online and offline, inspection teams and honorary monitors (consumer groups) will jointly conduct on-site visits and real-time online monitoring to verify the status of origin labeling. If violations are detected, criminal penalties (false labeling: imprisonment up to 7 years or fines up to 100 million KRW) or fines (failure to label or improper labeling methods: up to 10 million KRW) will be imposed. Additionally, food hygiene inspectors will directly collect samples from online platforms to test for residual pesticides, veterinary drugs, heavy metals, and more. Agricultural and marine products deemed non-compliant will be subject to sales bans, recalls, disposal, and criminal penalties.