'Sanitation Controversy' Imported Kimchi, Strengthening Triple Safety Management System in Manufacturing, Customs Clearance, and Distribution (Comprehensive)

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Chun-hee] The government has prepared measures to dispel public concerns about imported kimchi following the controversy sparked by a video showing Chinese-made salted napa cabbage. Hygiene measures will be strengthened across all stages from manufacturing to distribution, including on-site inspections of overseas kimchi manufacturing facilities.

On the morning of the 15th, the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) announced the "Imported Kimchi Safety and Assurance Measures" containing these details. Kim Yumi, Director of the Imported Food Safety Policy Bureau at MFDS, explained the purpose of the measures, saying, "Since the report of the unhygienic salted napa cabbage video in March, we have addressed the increased public concerns and anxieties by preparing safety and assurance measures for imported kimchi. We have focused on tightening the triple safety management system covering manufacturing, customs clearance, and distribution of imported kimchi, and on transparently delivering related information."

However, Director Kim emphasized again that the kimchi shown in the video "has not been imported into the country, based on the results of on-site inspections conducted by MFDS, local information confirmed through Chinese diplomatic channels, and the existence of the video." He added, "Among all the manufacturing facilities inspected on-site, none adopted the outdoor salting method shown in the video, and expert meetings concluded that such a salting method cannot be applied to produce the kimchi we consume." He further noted that this salting method is prohibited even within China.

Through these measures, MFDS announced plans to promote ▲ on-site inspections of all overseas kimchi manufacturing facilities ▲ revision of subordinate regulations such as the Enforcement Rules of the Imported Food Act for HACCP application ▲ strengthening of the inspection order system for importers of kimchi ▲ promotion of consumer participation in imported kimchi safety management ▲ provision of information on imported kimchi factories based on an online world map.

First, at the manufacturing stage, on-site inspections of manufacturing facilities will be conducted alongside the promotion of HACCP application. As of last month, on-site inspections will be carried out for 109 overseas kimchi manufacturing facilities registered as processing and producing kimchi imported into Korea. MFDS plans to prioritize on-site inspections this year for 26 facilities, including those found non-compliant at customs last year and newly registered manufacturers, and to inspect 20 facilities annually from next year through 2025.

To apply HACCP, subordinate regulations such as the Enforcement Rules of the Imported Food Act will be promptly revised. The Enforcement Decree and Enforcement Rules are currently under legislative notice, aiming for phased implementation starting in October 2022, with efforts to expedite the introduction.

Additionally, detailed matters related to HACCP certification procedures and methods will be continuously discussed with exporting countries' governments to facilitate smooth application of the HACCP system. However, Director Kim noted, "Discussions with the Chinese government on introducing the HACCP application system have not progressed rapidly due to difficulties such as the COVID-19 situation," and explained that continuous negotiations will be held to reach a prompt agreement.

'Imported Kimchi Safety and Security Measures' Infographic (Provided by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety)

Customs inspections will also be strengthened. The current "inspection order system," which operates for hazardous substances such as krill oil, will be expanded to include importers of kimchi produced by manufacturers with a high frequency of non-compliance. This aims to actively encourage businesses to import only safe products on their own initiative.

In terms of distribution, hygiene inspectors will conduct hygiene management surveys at 1,000 businesses distributing and selling imported kimchi and raw materials such as minced garlic, salted seafood, and red pepper powder, in cooperation with consumer groups. They will also directly purchase kimchi and raw materials and request inspections from specialized testing agencies to verify safety firsthand.

Furthermore, starting in July, this information will be made available at a glance through the "Import Statistics Service," which is based on an online world map, allowing access to related information such as imported kimchi manufacturing facilities and import status. The public will also be able to easily check information related to imported kimchi through services like the Imported Food Information Maru.

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