Rapid Reporting, On-site Response, and Management of Vulnerable Facilities
Regular Comprehensive Inspections of Group Catering Facilities
Busan City has been recognized for its achievements in food poisoning prevention and management, receiving a commendation from the Minister of Food and Drug Safety.
Busan City announced on December 14 that it had been selected as an outstanding institution in the 2025 Food Poisoning Prevention and Management Evaluation conducted by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, and received a commendation from the Minister on December 12.
This evaluation was based on achievements in 2024, and the award ceremony was held on the same day at the Sono Calm Hotel in Gyeongju. Among the outstanding institutions in the city, county, and district category, Yeongdo District in Busan was included.
Busan City received high marks for its swift identification of the causes of food poisoning incidents and for preventing further spread. This was the result of proactive prevention measures such as strengthening joint investigations, conducting comprehensive inspections, nighttime inspections, and providing hygiene consulting. In fact, the number of food poisoning cases in Busan last year was 29, a significant decrease from 50 cases in 2023. The city also ranked among the top nationwide in terms of management rate compared to the five-year average number of patients.
The "Busan-style On-site Joint Investigation" introduced last year contributed to improving the cause identification rate, which is a key evaluation indicator. When two or more suspected food poisoning reports are received in high-consumption sectors such as gimbap and wheat noodles, the city and district or county authorities conduct joint investigations, a response system that is more robust than the existing standard guidelines.
Regular comprehensive inspections were also conducted for group catering facilities and food retailers. Last year, the city inspected 2,637 establishments, exceeding its target, and is continuing inspections at a similar scale this year. Nighttime inspections of food delivery restaurants have been institutionalized on a monthly basis, and tailored hygiene consulting was provided to 1,250 general restaurants, including gimbap, wheat noodle, and raw fish restaurants.
Busan City also strengthened food and beverage safety management at international and national events. From last year through this year, by conducting pre-event inspections and on-site responses at large-scale events such as the APEC Summit and the National Sports Festival, there were no reports of food poisoning or hazards.
Starting next year, Busan City plans to expand the scope of the Busan-style On-site Joint Investigation to include mass-catering businesses such as lunchbox companies and buffets, and to institutionalize the joint investigation manual.
Jo Gyuyul, Director of the Citizen Health Bureau, stated, "We have continuously pursued prevention and field-oriented policies," and emphasized, "We will create a dining and meal environment where citizens can feel safe."
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