MFDS to Inspect 6,600 Daycare Center Kitchens in May to Strengthen Food Poisoning Prevention

The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety announced on the 26th that it will conduct guidance and inspections throughout May, in collaboration with local governments, targeting approximately 6,600 group meal service facilities in daycare centers and kindergartens to strengthen prevention and management of norovirus food poisoning and other related issues.

This inspection is being conducted one month earlier than the originally planned regular inspection in June, due to a recent surge in suspected food poisoning reports. The Ministry plans to conduct a full inspection of about 11,000 group meal service facilities in daycare centers nationwide this year.

Food Poisoning Prevention Poster. [Photo by Ministry of Food and Drug Safety]

The main inspection items include compliance with food poisoning prevention rules such as handwashing, use of products (ingredients) past their expiration (distribution) date, hygienic handling of food, and the sanitation management status of meal service facilities including cleaning and disinfecting utensils.

The number of suspected food poisoning cases in the first quarter of this year reached 49 cases and 601 people, far exceeding the recent five-year average (19 cases and 231 people). The increase is analyzed to be caused mainly by food poisoning outbreaks centered on infant and toddler facilities.

The Ministry emphasized the importance of strictly adhering to food poisoning prevention rules, such as thoroughly disinfecting vomit and surrounding areas like restrooms to prevent the spread of norovirus infection in daycare centers, and refraining from participating in meal preparation if exhibiting symptoms similar to food poisoning.

Additionally, as the summer season with high temperature and humidity approaches, bacterial food poisoning may increase alongside norovirus, so the Ministry urged practicing food poisoning prevention rules in daily life, such as handwashing and eating thoroughly cooked food.

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