From Frogs to Now Grasshoppers... Education Office Investigates Hygiene of High School Meals

Dead Frog Found in Young Radish Kimchi in May-June
School Says "Will Strictly Manage Inspection and Cooking Process"

On the 26th, the carcass of an insect presumed to be a type of grasshopper was found in the school lunch at a high school in Gangseo-gu, Seoul. Photo by Online Community Capture

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Jung-wan] Recently, the carcass of an insect presumed to be a type of grasshopper was found in the school meal at a high school in Seoul.

According to the education sector on the 30th, on the 26th, the carcass of an insect presumed to be a grasshopper was discovered in the spinach soybean paste soup served as a school meal at a high school in Deungchon-dong, Gangseo-gu, Seoul.

The photo was uploaded by students on social networking services (SNS) and spread online. In the photo, the insect appears intact with its body and legs preserved without significant damage.

The high school stated through a notice to parents on the day the foreign object was found, "An incident occurred where a foreign object (grasshopper) was found in the spinach soybean paste soup during meal time," and added, "Upon recognizing the incident, we immediately reported it to the Food Hygiene Team of the Gangseo Public Health Center's Hygiene Management Division and the relevant education support office. The principal, vice principal, administration office, and meal service staff gathered to investigate the circumstances."

They further explained, "It was determined that during the inspection process, the foreign object mixed with soil between the spinach leaves was not detected. Leafy vegetables are cut into bite-sized pieces, washed three times, and blanched to remove foreign substances. During this process, the foreign object stuck between the leaves, making removal more difficult."

They also added, "We will thoroughly manage the inspection and cooking processes going forward," and "We will prepare specific measures to strengthen meal hygiene and provide further guidance later."

This is not the first time foreign objects have been found in school meals. In May and June, frog carcasses were consecutively found in young radish kimchi served as school meals.

Meanwhile, the Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education's School Health Promotion Institute has launched an on-site investigation at schools in cooperation with education support offices and public health centers.

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