Seoul City Intensifies Origin Inspections of Agricultural and Livestock Products Ahead of Lunar New Year

by Bae Kyunghwan

Published 06 Jan.2025 07:49(KST)

Until the 24th, Measures Including Criminal Charges for Illegal Activities Detected in Traditional Markets and Online Malls

The Seoul Metropolitan Government's Civil Affairs Judicial Police Bureau announced on the 6th that from the 6th to the 24th, it will conduct crackdowns on illegal activities such as false origin labeling of holiday seasonal foods targeting traditional markets and online shopping malls ahead of the Seollal holiday.

The main inspection items include ▲false or confusing origin labeling of agricultural, marine, and livestock products ▲unsanitary handling and management of food ▲unreported or unregistered business operations. Especially this year, in line with the changing culture of holiday foods, there will be focused crackdowns on illegal activities by instant sales and manufacturing processing companies making side dishes and ceremonial foods, as well as livestock product sales businesses.

Seoul City Intensifies Origin Inspections of Agricultural and Livestock Products Ahead of Lunar New Year

On-site inspections will be conducted by visiting traditional markets, instant sales and manufacturing processing companies, and livestock product sales businesses to check origin labeling, hygienic handling and management of food, and whether expired products are being distributed or sold. For Hanwoo sold online, genetic testing will be requested from related agencies after purchase, and for pork, origin will be determined using a rapid origin testing kit.

The Seoul Metropolitan Government plans to take administrative actions such as business suspension and fines by notifying the relevant autonomous district or criminally indicting the offending businesses according to related laws if illegal activities are confirmed through this crackdown. If one contributes to public interest by reporting or providing tips on criminal acts with decisive evidence, they can receive a reward of up to 200 million KRW under the "Seoul Metropolitan Government Ordinance on the Protection and Support of Public Interest Whistleblowers."

Choi Won-seok, head of the Civil Affairs Judicial Police Bureau, said, "Since this inspection will be conducted after prior notice, strict measures will be taken against the detected businesses," and added, "We ask citizens to actively report any illegal activities related to food."