Hygiene Crackdown on Summer Foods
E. coli Detected at 50 Times the Limit, Multiple Violations Found
In an effort to prevent food poisoning during the summer, the Seoul Metropolitan Government conducted intensive inspections of restaurants across the city and uncovered numerous hygiene violations. In some establishments, bacteria levels were found to exceed the standard by several dozen times.
The soaring prices have pushed the cost of naengmyeon above the minimum wage. The photo shows naengmyeon, a summer delicacy. Photo by Getty Images
On August 18, the Seoul Metropolitan Government announced that it had conducted a special inspection of 1,985 establishments over the two-month period of June and July. These included 733 businesses serving seasonal dishes such as naengmyeon, kongguksu, and patbingsu; 668 establishments handling kimbap and toast made with eggs; and 438 restaurants specializing in health foods like samgyetang. The inspection also covered 146 restaurants located within accommodations or near camping sites and event venues, which see a surge in visitors during the summer vacation season.
The inspection focused on several criteria: hygiene of kitchens and facilities; compliance with refrigeration and freezing temperatures and expiration dates; adherence to food labeling standards and use of unregistered products; and the personal hygiene and hairnet usage of staff members.
As a result, administrative actions were taken against 15 establishments that violated the Food Sanitation Act, including fines (7 cases), orders to improve facilities (7 cases), and forced business closure (1 case). Major violations included failure to conduct health checkups, poor kitchen cleanliness, not wearing hairnets, not installing lids on food waste bins, and missing facilities.
Alongside the inspections, the city also collected and tested frequently consumed summer foods. Out of 136 samples-including 108 of patbingsu, naengmyeon, kongguksu, and edible ice, and 28 of egg-based kimbap and toast-seven were found to contain bacteria levels exceeding the standard, resulting in business suspensions. Specifically, one sample of mango bingsu contained excessive Staphylococcus aureus; four samples of naengmyeon and kongguksu contained excessive E. coli; and two samples of edible ice from coffee shops exceeded the bacterial count limit. In some establishments, Staphylococcus aureus was detected at up to three times the standard, while E. coli was found at more than 50 times the permissible level.
Yang Kwangsook, Director of Food Policy at the Seoul Metropolitan Government, stated, "We will strengthen hygiene inspections to prevent food poisoning during the summer and take strict action against violating establishments." She also urged, "Not only restaurant operators but also citizens should thoroughly follow basic prevention guidelines, such as handwashing and storing food at appropriate temperatures."
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