Gyeonggi Province will conduct an emergency inspection to prevent food poisoning.
The Gyeonggi Provincial Special Judicial Police Unit announced on May 18 that it will carry out an intensive investigation from May 19 to May 30 at 360 locations, including on-site restaurants and Korean buffet restaurants near construction sites and industrial complexes, as the summer season is a period when group food poisoning is more likely to occur.
The Special Judicial Police Unit explained that, due to recent increases in prices and dining-out costs, there has been a rise in the use of budget-friendly buffet restaurants such as Korean buffets, leading to greater concerns about group food poisoning at on-site restaurants, and therefore an increased need for investigation.
The main focus of the investigation will be on: ▲ false or misleading indication of the origin of ingredients ▲ operating a food service business without proper registration ▲ failure to report changes in business area ▲ storage or sale of products past their expiration date.
The Gyeonggi Provincial Special Judicial Police Unit will conduct an intensive investigation to prevent food poisoning at 360 locations across the province, including on-site restaurants and Korean buffet restaurants. Provided by Gyeonggi Province
According to the Act on Country of Origin Labeling, falsely indicating the origin of ingredients can result in imprisonment for up to seven years or a fine of up to 100 million won. Under the Food Sanitation Act, operating a food service business without registration or failing to report changes can lead to imprisonment for up to three years or a fine of up to 30 million won. In addition, manufacturing, processing, cooking, selling, subdividing, transporting, displaying, or storing products, foods, or their raw materials past their expiration date, or selling such items, is punishable by up to three years in prison or a fine of up to 30 million won.
Ki Ido, head of the Gyeonggi Provincial Special Judicial Police Unit, said, "We will do our utmost to create a safe food environment for residents through intensive investigations of on-site restaurants and Korean buffet businesses," adding, "We will strictly punish any illegal activities that could threaten food safety in accordance with relevant laws and regulations."
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