Gyeonggi Special Police Uncover 12 Cases of Illegal Activities in Processed Agricultural Product Sales

Gyeonggi Province conducted an investigation into companies processing and selling agricultural products such as rice and grains, uncovering 12 cases of illegal activities, including violations of country-of-origin labeling.

According to the Gyeonggi Provincial Special Judicial Police, in response to rising demand for various processed agricultural foods, inspections were carried out from August 4 to August 22 to strengthen food safety and hygiene management for residents during the summer, when the risk of food incidents increases.

Key cases included a company in Gyeonggi Province (Company A) that was found storing 28 boxes of rice cake products, totaling 215 kg, which were more than 10 months past their expiration date, in a freezer without any labeling to indicate they were for disposal.

Another business (Company B), specializing in tofu dishes, was caught falsely labeling Chinese kimchi as domestic.

Company C was found to have violated storage standards by keeping 71 boxes of red bean paste, totaling 710 kg, required to be stored at room temperature, in a freezer instead.

Cases of Illegal Activities in Agricultural Product Processing and Sales

Company D, which manufactures and sells tofu on-site, failed to conduct the mandatory self-quality inspection every nine months. Company E, which operates a snack bar, did not report important changes such as its business name.

According to the Food Sanitation Act, storing products past their expiration date for use or without proper disposal labeling can result in imprisonment for up to three years or a fine of up to 30 million won. Falsely or confusingly labeling the country of origin of agricultural products is punishable under the Country of Origin Labeling Act by up to seven years in prison or a fine of up to 100 million won, while failing to label the country of origin can result in an administrative fine of up to 10 million won.

Additionally, violating storage standards under the Food Sanitation Act by not adhering to food standards and specifications can lead to imprisonment for up to five years or a fine of up to 50 million won. Failure to conduct periodic self-quality inspections or to report important changes in registration can result in imprisonment for up to three years or a fine of up to 30 million won.

The head of the Gyeonggi Provincial Special Judicial Police stated, "We urge residents to carefully check the expiration date and country of origin when purchasing food, and to report any suspicious cases."