Yeosu-si Launches Special Inspection of Imported Seafood Before Chuseok

Intensive Crackdown on Japanese Seafood

Origin Labeling and More from the 11th for 15 Days

Yeosu City, Jeollanam-do (Mayor Jeong Gi-myeong) announced that it will conduct special inspections on the origin labeling of imported seafood and safety tests on seafood in preparation for the Chuseok holiday.

This is to alleviate citizens' concerns about seafood following the recent discharge of contaminated water from the Fukushima nuclear power plant in Japan into the ocean and to strengthen consumer trust.

To this end, the city has established an organic cooperation system with the Yeosu branch of the National Fishery Products Quality Management Service and the Yeosu Coast Guard, and plans to conduct intensive inspections before Chuseok on 36 local businesses distributing imported Japanese seafood.

In addition, a joint inspection team will be formed with the Seafood Radiation Response T/F Team and the city’s honorary origin labeling monitors to conduct focused guidance and inspections on seafood origin labeling at traditional markets and large supermarkets for 15 days starting from the 11th.

If failure to label the origin is detected during this special inspection, a fine of up to 10 million KRW will be imposed, and in cases of false labeling, imprisonment for up to 7 years or a fine of up to 100 million KRW will be enforced.

Earlier in May, the city proactively responded to the Fukushima contaminated water discharge by forming the Seafood Radiation Response T/F Team and has been conducting inspections on local seafood at least three times a week using four portable radiation detectors.

Moreover, the radiation test items at local seafood auction sites have been more than doubled compared to previous items, and detailed inspections have been requested from the Mokpo branch of the Jeollanam-do Marine and Fisheries Science Institute.

Jung Jae-ho, Director of the Fisheries Tourism Bureau, stated, “Due to the contraction of seafood consumption caused by the Fukushima nuclear power plant contaminated water discharge, more thorough inspections are required than ever before,” and added, “We will do our best to ensure seafood safety by, among other measures, disclosing inspection results on the website.”

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