China's 'Maenbal Yangnyeom' Controversy: MFDS States "Not Food... Not Allowed for Import"

"Presumed to be fruit... Ingredient not edible in Korea"

Inside a Chinese food factory where chili powder is made by stepping on it barefoot / Photo by Internet Community Capture

[Asia Economy Reporter Hwang Yoon-joo] The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety explained that the ingredient shown in a controversial online video, where it is presumed that seasoning is being made by stepping on it barefoot, is not imported into South Korea.

On the 22nd, the Ministry stated, "The ingredient in the video is presumed to be the fruit of 'Paris polyphylla' (a species in the Paris genus)," and added, "This ingredient is not permitted for food use domestically, so it cannot be imported as food."

The Ministry further explained, "In China, it is also known that the fruit is stepped on barefoot to remove the skin, and the seeds are used as seeds."

Recently, a video purportedly showing a Chinese factory surfaced online, depicting a woman stepping barefoot on a red substance, sparking controversy. The woman was not wearing a mask or head covering, and some speculated that the substance appeared to be a red pepper powder seasoning.

Earlier in March, there was also controversy over a Chinese video showing the production of pickled napa cabbage in unsanitary conditions, to which the Ministry responded by confirming that the product was not intended for export.

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