Ministry of Agriculture and Ministry of Food and Drug Safety Strengthen Summer Agricultural Product Safety Management: "Blocking Distribution of Non-compliant Products"

The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs announced on the 29th that, together with the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, it will strengthen and implement agricultural product safety inspections for four months starting in June, as the summer season begins in earnest.

The two agencies plan to conduct inspections for mycotoxins and pesticide residues at every stage, from production to distribution, before agricultural products are shipped to the market, in order to ensure a safe supply. If agricultural products exceed the standard limits, measures such as recall, disposal, or shipment delay will be taken, thereby preemptively blocking the distribution of non-compliant products.

Prices of vegetables such as cabbage, radish, and carrots are rising one after another, turning concerns about food costs into reality. On the 24th, radishes were displayed at the Yangjae Hanaro Mart in Seoul. The selling price of radishes is approaching 5,000 won, about 2,000 won higher than last year. 2025.03.24 Photo by Dongju Yoon

In particular, this summer inspection will focus on grains and legumes such as wheat and soybeans, which are susceptible to mold, as well as vegetables and fruits with high consumption volumes.

An official from the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs said, "To prevent mold growth, it is best to store grains and nuts at temperatures below 15°C and humidity below 60%. For agricultural products with shells, such as peanuts, they should be stored with the shell intact." The official added, "In February this year, the government formed and has been operating a cross-ministerial 'Agricultural Product Safety Management Task Force.' We will continue to do our utmost to ensure that safe agricultural products, which the public can trust and consume with confidence, are supplied."

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