Jeju Coast Guard Cheong Conducts Special Crackdown on Illegal Distribution and Sale of Sea Salt

Published 28 Jun.2023 16:18(KST)

The Jeju Regional Coast Guard Office (Chief Han Sang-chul) announced that as concerns over the discharge of contaminated water from the Fukushima nuclear power plant in Japan escalate, the price of 천일염 (sun-dried salt) is rising and shortages are occurring in Jeju Island. In response, they will launch a special crackdown on illegal distribution and sales offenses related to 천일염, including acts of passing imported salt off as domestic.

The Jeju Coast Guard is conducting a special crackdown on various illegal production and distribution activities of 천일염 occurring within Jeju Island from the 26th until the supply of 천일염 stabilizes. This proactive measure aims to calm consumers' anxious sentiment and establish order in the distribution of 천일염.

Sea Salt Photo [Photo by Jeju Coast Guard]

This special crackdown will focus on violations such as passing imported salt off as domestic, distribution of salt unfit for consumption, mixed production with imported salt, false labeling of distribution history, and hoarding.

Additionally, a joint task force will be formed with related agencies including the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries (Fishery Products Quality Management Service) and local governments. The Jeju Coast Guard will mobilize all available personnel, including criminal and foreign affairs officers, to strengthen enforcement and restore order in distribution.

A representative of the Jeju Coast Guard stated, “We will actively crack down on all illegal activities until the supply of 천일염 stabilizes to reassure the public. We also ask everyone to take an interest and report any illegal activities related to 천일염 to the Jeju Coast Guard.”