‘Grams (g)’ to Be Displayed on Kyochon and BBQ Menus... Government Mandates Chicken Weight Labeling

Response Plan to Shrinkflation in the Food Sector Announced on December 2
12,560 Outlets of Top 10 Chicken Franchises Targeted
Total Pre-cooked Chicken Weight Must Be Displayed

The government has decided to introduce a system that requires chicken menus to display weight information, in response to concerns that “shrinkflation”-reducing product weight while keeping prices unchanged-is increasing the cost of living for ordinary people. This is the first time that a regulation mandating weight disclosure has been introduced in the restaurant industry.

On December 2, the Ministry of Economy and Finance, the Fair Trade Commission, the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, and other relevant ministries announced countermeasures against shrinkflation in the food sector. They stated that the top 10 chicken franchise outlets (12,560 locations) will be required to indicate the “total pre-cooked weight” of chicken. The government explained that this measure is intended to create a psychological deterrent against arbitrary weight reductions by businesses, adding that the explicit requirement to display weight will act as a factor discouraging such reductions. The system will be implemented through an official interpretation of the Enforcement Rules of the Food Sanitation Act.

'Gram (g)' Must Be Displayed Near Menu and Delivery App Prices

Starting December 15, major chicken specialty stores will be required to display the “total pre-cooked weight” of chicken in grams (g) or as a whole unit next to the price on their menus. The same information must also be provided on online order pages and delivery apps. However, to reduce the cost burden on small businesses, the requirement will be limited to outlets affiliated with the top 10 franchise headquarters: BHC, BBQ Chicken, Kyochon Chicken, Cheogajip Yangnyeom Chicken, Goobne Chicken, Pelicana, Nene Chicken, Mexicana Chicken, Gcova Chicken, and Hosigi Two Chicken. Recognizing that updating menus will take time, the government will operate a guidance period until June 30 of next year, during which violators will be advised on how to comply rather than penalized. After this period, administrative actions such as correction orders may be imposed.

Comparative Disclosure and Reporting Center for Chicken Brands

Self-regulation will also be promoted, especially among large franchises. The government plans to encourage franchise headquarters to voluntarily notify the market if they raise prices or reduce weights, resulting in an effective price increase. Agreements will also be pursued between relevant ministries and major franchises.

Market monitoring by consumer organizations will be strengthened. Starting next year, the Korea Consumer Organization Council will purchase sample chicken products from the five major brands-BHC, BBQ Chicken, Kyochon, Cheogajip, and Goobne-on a quarterly basis, supplying the market with information comparing weights and prices to enhance autonomous market oversight. Additionally, beginning in December this year, an online “Shrinkflation Reporting Center” will be launched on the website and social media channels to verify and share reports submitted by consumers. If legal violations are detected, the relevant ministries will take action.

‘Order to Suspend Product Manufacturing’ for Failure to Disclose Processed Food Weight

Oversight of processed food products will also be strengthened. If the weight of a processed food product decreases by 5% or more without notification, the government plans to increase the level of sanctions under the Enforcement Rules of the Food Labeling and Advertising Act. Currently, if undisclosed weight reductions are identified, the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety may issue correction orders or suspend operations. Going forward, sanctions may be elevated to include “orders to suspend product manufacturing.” Starting this month, the government will establish a public-private consultative body (tentative name) involving relevant ministries, major restaurant operators, and leading processed food manufacturers to discuss measures for stabilizing food prices and to monitor the implementation of self-regulation in the restaurant sector. In particular, the government will focus on promoting the new chicken weight labeling system by distributing separate guidelines to prevent violations due to lack of awareness.

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