MFDS Detects Korean McDonald's Stores Violating Food Sanitation Act Over Foreign Substances in French Fries

Hygiene conditions of McDonald's stores in Korea found during the inspection by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety.

[Asia Economy Reporter Jang Sehee] The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety announced on the 22nd that, regarding media reports of insect contaminants found in French fries at Korean McDonald's outlets, an unannounced inspection of the relevant store revealed violations of the Food Sanitation Act, including inadequate cleanliness of some facilities, and requested administrative action from the local authority, Gangnam-gu.

Following a series of foreign object reports at some Korean McDonald's outlets, the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety conducted an inspection on the 19th together with Gangnam-gu, the local authority. The investigation found violations such as inadequate hygiene management around the French fry equipment and other sanitary handling standards, as well as facility standard violations like gaps in ceiling piping. Gangnam-gu plans to impose administrative sanctions for the Food Sanitation Act violations found during the inspection and will conduct a follow-up inspection within six months to verify whether the violations have been corrected. Previously, at another outlet, a consumer discovered a metal foreign object detached from cooking utensils mixed into a hamburger while eating in July. After a local authority investigation confirmed the foreign object contamination, administrative action was taken on August 8.

Additionally, the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety provided administrative guidance at the inspection site to ensure strict compliance with ingredient management, cleanliness of the surrounding environment, and pest control to prevent foreign object contamination in food. The ministry also requested the franchise headquarters to enforce thorough hygiene management at directly operated stores.

However, the ministry stated, "Regarding the media reports of insect contaminants in French fries, the investigation could not be initiated because the consumer did not provide the insect foreign object to the investigative agency." It added, "When foreign objects are found in food, the foreign object and the product, which are crucial clues for contamination investigation, must be preserved without damage and handed over to the investigative agency to ensure a smooth investigation."

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