CJ CheilJedang Sponsors Hetbahn Low-Protein Rice for PKU Children Who Cannot Eat White Rice

Rare Disease Difficult to Break Down Protein
Occurs in One in 60,000 Newborns
Estimated 300 Patients in Korea
16 Years of Donations and Product Support Since 2009

CJ CheilJedang announced on the 15th that it has delivered 'Hetbahn Low-Protein Rice' and donations for the 16th consecutive year to help children suffering from the rare disease phenylketonuria (PKU).

PKU is a rare disease occurring in about one in 60,000 newborns. Due to a congenital deficiency of the enzyme that breaks down amino acids (proteins), consuming phenylalanine, a protein component, causes metabolic byproducts to accumulate in the body, leading to disabilities or, in severe cases, death. Patients must maintain a lifelong diet free of phenylalanine and cannot eat white rice. The number of patients in Korea is estimated to be around 300.

Participants are taking a commemorative photo at the 22nd PKU Family Camp held over two days from the 11th in Yangyang-gun, Gangwon Province.
[Photo by CJ CheilJedang]

The Korea Population, Health and Welfare Association holds an annual PKU Family Camp to support PKU patients and offers various programs including providing related information. This year, the 22nd PKU Family Camp was held over two days starting on the 11th in Yangyang-gun, Gangwon-do. CJ CheilJedang delivered Hetbahn Low-Protein Rice and donations at this event.

Earlier, CJ CheilJedang began research and development in 2009 following a suggestion from an employee with a child suffering from PKU, and introduced Hetbahn Low-Protein Rice, which reduces the protein content to one-tenth that of regular Hetbahn (rice). This product requires special processes such as protein removal after milling the rice, which take much longer, resulting in production times more than 10 times longer than regular Hetbahn. Although production efficiency is lower and profitability is reduced, the company explained that it has produced about 2.5 million units of Hetbahn Low-Protein Rice over 16 years out of social responsibility and commitment.

Kim Yurim, head of Hetbahn marketing at CJ CheilJedang, said, "We hope that patients with rare diseases can enjoy delicious rice without worry," adding, "As a leading instant rice company, we will continue various activities that contribute to the national diet."

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