Songchugamagol Deokjeong Branch Sold Discarded Meat After 'Washing'... Closure and Apology Released

Posted an 'Apology Letter' on Songchugamagol Official Website

Photo by Songchugamagol Homepage Capture

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Kim Bong-ju] A scandal has erupted as Songchu Gamagol, a famous galbi chain located in Yangju, Gyeonggi Province, was found to have washed and sold meat that should have been discarded.

According to Yangju City on the 9th, a branch of Songchu Gamagol in the Yangju area thawed meat quickly with warm water until February and, during the process of storing it at room temperature, some meat that was at risk of spoiling and should have been discarded was washed with soju and mixed with normal meat for sale.

Thawing meat in warm water and then storing it at room temperature can lead to bacterial growth and spoilage. Frozen meat should be thawed in cold water or under running water, and food ingredients such as meat that do not comply with hygiene rules must be discarded.

Upon learning of this fact, Songchu Gamagol posted an 'apology letter' on the company’s official website on the same day, acknowledging the wrongdoing and apologizing.

Kim Jae-min, CEO of Songchu Gamagol, stated in the apology letter, "This incident should never have happened. I deeply bow my head and sincerely apologize for causing concern to the customers who trusted and loved Songchu Gamagol."

He added, "Even if this was due to the wrong judgment and handling by a specific store manager, I believe it is the fault of myself and the headquarters for failing to properly manage employees and hygiene."

He continued, "The headquarters has not only taken corrective measures for the relevant store but also completed necessary actions such as conducting special inspections on meat management, meat management checks, and employee training for all stores."

Yangju City conducted an on-site inspection on the same day and plans to cancel the designation of 'model restaurant' and take measures such as correction orders or fines according to relevant regulations if problems are confirmed.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.