Jeollanam-do to Launch Intensive Crackdown on Country-of-Origin Labeling Violations During Vacation Season

From July 28, restaurants near beaches and tourist attractions will be inspected
Fines of up to 100 million won for false country-of-origin labeling

Jeonnam Province is cracking down on violations of origin labeling. The photo shows the guidance activities for origin labeling at Wando 5-Day Market. Photo by Jeonnam Province

Jeollanam-do will launch a focused crackdown on violations of country-of-origin labeling at restaurants near beaches, valleys, and tourist attractions from July 28 to August 15, in response to the summer vacation season.

This crackdown will be conducted in cooperation with 22 cities and counties, as well as the Jeonnam Branch of the National Agricultural Products Quality Management Service. Authorities will inspect for false or missing country-of-origin labeling, violations of labeling methods that could confuse consumers, and whether receipts or transaction documents indicating the country of origin are properly kept.

In particular, the crackdown will focus on cases in which imported agricultural products are disguised as domestic products when used as restaurant ingredients.

During the crackdown period, minor violations will be corrected on the spot, while serious violations such as missing or false labeling of origin will result in prosecution or fines in accordance with relevant laws.

If false country-of-origin labeling is detected, violators may face up to seven years in prison or a fine of up to 100 million won under the Act on Labeling of Origin of Agricultural and Fishery Products. Failure to label the country of origin or violation of labeling methods may result in a fine of up to 10 million won.

Park Sangmi, head of the Agricultural and Food Distribution Division of Jeollanam-do, stated, "As many tourists are expected to visit Jeollanam-do during the summer vacation season, we will conduct thorough guidance and crackdowns to ensure a safe and trustworthy food environment," and urged restaurant owners to actively cooperate in complying with country-of-origin labeling regulations.