Jeonbuk Province to Crack Down on Origin Labeling of Agricultural and Livestock Products Until June 5

Targeting 60 Establishments Including Delivery-Focused and General Restaurants

Jeonbuk Special Self-Governing Province will conduct a "Special Crackdown on the Origin Labeling of Agricultural and Livestock Products" for three weeks until June 5.

According to the province on May 16, this crackdown was launched to eradicate violations of origin labeling by delivery businesses and to create a fair distribution environment where residents can safely consume food.

Poster of the Origin Labeling System for Agricultural and Livestock Products. Provided by Jeonbuk Province

The crackdown will target around 60 establishments, including delivery-focused restaurants and general dining establishments, during the spring and summer seasons when the consumption of agricultural and livestock products increases. In addition to on-site inspections, the province plans to focus on establishing order in distribution by providing guidance and education on the origin labeling system.

Under current law, restaurants are required to label the origin of three types of agricultural products (rice, soybeans, napa cabbage kimchi) and six types of livestock products (beef, pork, chicken, duck, lamb, goat).

The main targets of the crackdown include: ▲ false or missing origin labeling ▲ violations of labeling methods ▲ failure to keep or maintain transaction records ▲ disguising or mixing imported agricultural and livestock products as domestic products for sale. Strong penalties will be imposed for violations.

In particular, falsely labeling the origin may result in imprisonment for up to seven years or a fine of up to 100 million KRW, while failure to label the origin may result in an administrative fine of up to 10 million KRW.

The province considers violations of origin labeling, which infringe on consumers' right to know, to be serious illegal acts. Through this inspection, the province will conduct thorough investigations and take strong actions against any violations found.

Oh Taekrim, Director of Resident Safety at Jeonbuk Province, stated, "Violations of origin labeling are serious illegal acts that deceive both consumers and producers. We will continue to conduct crackdowns and promote awareness to create a distribution environment where residents can safely consume food."

Meanwhile, the Special Judicial Police Division of Jeonbuk Province urged residents to report any illegal acts directly related to public welfare?such as food hygiene, livestock products, origin labeling, public hygiene, pharmaceuticals, youth, environment, real estate, and forest protection?either to the Special Judicial Police Division of Jeonbuk Province or through the Safety Sinmungo app.