Daejeon Special Judicial Police Uncover Five Food Service Businesses Falsely Labeling Product Origins

Imported Meat and Other Products Disguised as Domestic

Daejeon Special Judicial Police, 5 Food Service Businesses Violating Origin Labeling Caught (Photo by Daejeon City)

A general restaurant was caught selling imported agricultural and marine products disguised as domestic products.

The Daejeon Special Judicial Police announced on July 15 that, as a result of a planned investigation into violations of origin labeling for agricultural and marine products conducted over the past two months, they had caught five food service businesses falsely labeling the origin of their products.

The investigation targeted around 100 locations, including food service businesses, food manufacturing, processing, and distribution companies, and flower shops, focusing on agricultural and marine products with high seasonal demand. The investigation specifically checked for false origin labeling, changing labels after mixing imported and domestic products, and actions that could cause consumer confusion.

The city tracked illegal activities through various means, including tip-offs, prior information analysis, and on-site inquiries. The main violations involved falsely labeling the origin of imported agricultural and marine products: one case of beef, two cases of pork, and two cases of squid, totaling five cases. All of the businesses involved were general restaurants.

Restaurant A falsely labeled the origin of Yukgaejang made with imported beef as domestic. Restaurants B and C disguised imported pork as domestic and sold it as gukbap and for grilling. Restaurants D and E labeled squid from distant waters as domestic and used it as an ingredient. According to the Act on Labeling of Origin of Agricultural and Marine Products, the detected businesses may face up to seven years in prison or a fine of up to 100 million won. The violations will be published on the Daejeon City website, and administrative actions such as mandatory origin labeling education will also be imposed.

A Daejeon City official stated, "Accurate origin labeling of agricultural and marine products is the first step in maintaining consumer trust," and added, "We will work to raise awareness about intentional and repeated violations and foster a culture of voluntary compliance."