Health Authorities Conducting Epidemiological Investigation After Reports
200,000 Visitors... Number of Suspected Cases May Increase
The health authorities have launched an epidemiological investigation after 80 visitors reported suspected food poisoning symptoms at the Jeonnongro King Cherry Blossom Festival in Jeju City, which had previously faced controversy over excessive pricing.
According to the Jeju Public Health Center on April 18, reports have continued to come in from people who developed suspected food poisoning symptoms after eating food at the venue of the 18th Jeonnongro King Cherry Blossom Festival, held in the Jeonnongro area of Jeju City from March 28 to 30. As of the afternoon of April 18, a total of 80 cases had been reported. The festival, which ran for three days, is estimated by the organizer (Samdo 1-dong Festival Promotion Committee) to have attracted about 200,000 visitors (including duplicate counts), so the number of suspected food poisoning cases may continue to rise.
The scene on the last day of the 18th Jeonnongro King Cherry Blossom Festival held on Jeonnongro, Jeju City, on the 30th of last month. Photo by Yonhap News
An official from the Jeju Public Health Center stated, "Most festival visitors showing suspected food poisoning symptoms are experiencing diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal pain, which are typical symptoms of enteritis and food poisoning." However, the official added that they could not disclose details about which foods may have caused the symptoms, as the epidemiological investigation is still ongoing. Even if the investigation confirms that food sold at festival booths caused the food poisoning, it will be difficult to impose administrative sanctions on those responsible. This is because the food booths at the festival operate under temporary business licenses and are no longer in operation after the festival ends.
Previously, this year's King Cherry Blossom Festival came under fire for excessive pricing. Posts on online communities claimed that some street vendors at the festival sold stir-fried sundae (Korean blood sausage) with only six pieces for 25,000 won.
As the controversy grew, Jeju Province implemented countermeasures. According to the "Regional Festival Excessive Pricing Management Plan" announced by Jeju Province on April 2, the province will require both the inside and outside of sales booths at all festivals scheduled for this year to display menus and price lists for all items sold. The plan also recommends adding sample images of food to the menus and placing food sample models in front of sales booths. In addition, a "Price Gouging Report Center" will be set up at each festival's general situation room to respond to reports of excessive pricing and other unfair business practices on site. If social issues or controversies arise during a festival, penalties will be reflected in the festival evaluation. Before each festival, the province will provide advance training for local merchants and booth operators on unfair practices such as forced bundling and overcharging, as well as on hygiene and customer service.
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