Proactive Response to Food Safety Concerns... Regular Ingredient Inspections
"Systematic Safety Management to Ensure Meal Safety"
Jihyun Choi, Gwangju City Council Member.
As concerns over food safety intensify due to the discharge of contaminated water from the Fukushima nuclear power plant, a legal basis has been established to provide healthier and safer food ingredients to infants and young children in Gwangju.
On June 9, the Gwangju City Council’s Environment and Welfare Committee, at its 332nd session, approved as originally proposed the “Ordinance on Supporting the Use of Safe Food Ingredients Free from Radioactive and Other Harmful Substances in Meals Provided at Infant and Childcare Facilities in Gwangju Metropolitan City,” which was initiated by Jihyun Choi (Democratic Party, Gwangsan District 1).
Choi explained the legislative intent by stating, “Since the Fukushima nuclear accident in 2011 and the subsequent discharge of radioactive contaminated water into the ocean starting in 2023, anxiety among parents of infants and young children has increased. This ordinance was enacted to ensure that safer and higher-quality food ingredients are supplied for infant and child meals, thereby protecting the health of our children.”
The main provisions of the ordinance require regular or occasional sample testing of food ingredients used in infant and childcare facility meals for radioactive and other harmful substances. If the test results exceed permissible standards, the use of the relevant ingredients must be immediately suspended and the relevant parties notified.
In addition, the ordinance institutionalizes a comprehensive safety management system for infant and child meal services by including provisions such as the establishment of a review committee to deliberate on inspection items and methods, and the strengthening of training for meal service workers.
Choi emphasized, “The healthy growth of children begins with safe food. Since infants and young children in their growth period are particularly vulnerable to environmental hazards, I urge everyone to do their utmost to ensure meal safety through thorough inspections and a scientific, transparent, and preventive system.”
The ordinance is scheduled to be promulgated and enforced after a resolution at the plenary session on June 16.
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