Ottogi 'Old-fashioned Sesame Oil' Fails Quality Test... "Harmless to Human Body"

'Old-fashioned Sesame Oil' Found to Exceed Linolenic Acid Standard
Linolenic Acid Mainly Present in Perilla Oil
Product Not Subject to Recall Measures

Ottogi's 'Old-fashioned Sesame Oil' received a non-compliance judgment in an inspection by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS). Linolenic acid, which is rarely found in sesame seeds, was detected above the standard level in the product, raising the possibility that oils other than sesame were mixed in, contrary to the label stating '100% sesame seeds.'

According to the MFDS on the 7th, the Gyeonggi-do Health and Environment Research Institute conducted an inspection and detected 1.2% linolenic acid in Ottogi's 'Old-fashioned Sesame Oil,' exceeding the standard level (0.5% or less). Linolenic acid is mainly found in perilla oil and is a key criterion for determining whether other oils are mixed into sesame oil.

The product in question is the 450ml rectangular can version of 'Old-fashioned Sesame Oil.' The packaging clearly states '100% sesame seeds.'

An MFDS official explained, "Linolenic acid is an unsaturated fatty acid and is not harmful to the human body, so no product recall measures were taken." However, among consumers, concerns have been raised that trust in the product label stating '100% sesame seeds' may decline. This investigation was conducted after local governments purchased the product from retail stores.