Seosamseok: "Increase the Proportion of Domestic Ingredients in Rest Area Food Sales"

"Win-Win for Farmers and Businesses, Double Benefit for Consumer Satisfaction"

Assemblyman Seo Samsuk

Korea Expressway Corporation is preparing measures to revitalize domestically produced agricultural products, and the proportion of domestic ingredients in food sold at highway rest areas is expected to increase.

According to data submitted by Korea Expressway Corporation to Seo Samsuk, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea (Yeongam, Muan, Sinan), on the 7th, the corporation plans to promote the use of domestic agricultural products in food sold at rest areas.

To this end, the corporation is promoting ▲activation of local food direct transaction marts ▲additional points in service evaluations for rest areas using domestic agricultural products ▲measures to revitalize domestic agricultural products through commissioned projects.

On the 16th of last month, Representative Seo pointed out that the best-selling foods at highway rest areas this year are walnut cookies and udon, but the walnuts and noodles used are 100% imported, urging the use of domestic ingredients. In response, the corporation held several meetings with Representative Seo and promised measures to promote domestic products.

Along with this, some companies operating and managing rest areas have announced plans to increase the proportion of domestic ingredients in the food sold, and five companies including CJ Freshway, SK Energy, Kolon, SPC, and Pulmuone have conveyed their policy to award additional points during evaluations to sellers using domestic products, Representative Seo stated.

Representative Seo emphasized, “I hope that the efforts of Korea Expressway Corporation, which operates and manages rest areas, and large and medium-sized enterprises will lead to the utilization of domestic agricultural, fishery, and livestock products,” adding, “Expanding the use of domestic agricultural and fishery products can achieve a win-win effect by improving farmers' and fishermen's incomes as well as establishing a healthy food culture.”