'96% Certification Rate' Starbucks Tops Hygiene Management... Places That Failed

Analysis of Hygiene Grade Status by 25 Franchise Industries
Domino's Pizza and Burger King Show Active Participation in Hygiene Grading
Mom's Touch and Yoajeong Lag Behind in Hygiene Management

Among domestic franchise companies, Starbucks has been identified as the most dedicated to hygiene management. On the other hand, companies neglecting hygiene management include Mega MGC Coffee, Paris Baguette, BBQ, and Yoajeong. Given the frequent occurrence of hygiene-related incidents, there are calls for proactive safety management by these companies.

At Genesis BBQ's 'bbq Premium Cafe,' customers are enjoying chicken, pasta, pizza, steak, salads, and more while chatting.

According to the hygiene grade designation status released by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety on the 5th, out of 370,000 domestic franchise stores, only 34,000 stores have received hygiene grades, accounting for less than 10%.

The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety introduced the hygiene grading system in May 2017 to improve the hygiene level of restaurants through voluntary competition among them, prevent food poisoning, and guarantee consumer choice. The hygiene grading evaluation, conducted through voluntary participation by companies, is handled by the Korea Food Safety Management Certification Institute to enhance objectivity and expertise. Scores of 90 or above receive a 'Very Excellent' grade, 85?89 receive 'Excellent,' and 80?84 receive 'Good.' Companies are re-evaluated every two years.

Analyzing the hygiene grade status of major franchise companies across 25 industries including coffee, bread, chicken, ice cream, and pizza, Starbucks had 1,931 out of 2,009 stores receive the highest score as of early this year. Starbucks’ certification rate reaches 96%. The remaining stores are also in the process of applying for the hygiene grading system. Among coffee franchise brands, Hollys passed the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety’s hygiene evaluation in 401 out of 521 stores, and Twosome Place in 1,092 out of 1,641 stores.

The company with the fewest hygiene-graded stores is Mega MGC Coffee, with only 8 out of 3,469 stores certified. Coffee Bean and Paik’s Coffee followed with low participation rates in hygiene grade designation.

In the hamburger sector, Burger King stands out for hygiene excellence. Burger King received certification for 438 out of 484 stores. McDonald’s had 187 out of 399 stores certified, and Lotteria had 325 out of 1,288 stores certified. Mom’s Touch had only 248 out of 1,416 stores listed.

Kyochon Chicken and Puradak showed active participation in obtaining hygiene grades among chicken franchises. Kyochon Chicken, operating 1,387 stores, had 838 stores certified under the hygiene grading system. Puradak also earned certification for 470 out of 715 stores. In contrast, BBQ (2,324 stores) and bhc (2,293 stores) passed the hygiene grading evaluation for only 25% and 28% of their stores, respectively.

In the bread sector, Tous Les Jours led the way, with 674 out of 1,323 stores receiving hygiene grade signs. Paris Baguette had only 327 out of 3,446 stores certified. Yoajeong, which has recently gained popularity among young people, had only 9 out of 350 stores undergo hygiene grade evaluation.

In the pizza sector, Domino’s Pizza showed a high interest in hygiene management, with 93% of its 280 stores certified under the hygiene grading system. Papa John’s (29.4%), Pizza Hut (27.2%), and Pizza Alvolo (11.8%) showed relatively low certification rates. Only two Mister Pizza stores received hygiene grade certification.

Hygiene issues are directly linked to the survival of franchise companies. Last October, when deadly E. coli was found in hamburgers, McDonald’s market capitalization in the U.S. evaporated by 16 trillion won in a single day. Consumers can benefit from the hygiene grading system by choosing safe and hygienic restaurants. From the operator’s perspective, objective certification allows them to actively inform consumers about their hygiene status. The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety plans to expand hygiene grade designation in cooperation with the Franchise Association. A ministry official stated, "To revitalize the hygiene grading system, we will resolve difficulties faced by companies and improve unreasonable regulations."