"Kids, Be Careful with Mala Tang": Food Poisoning Bacteria Detected at Three Franchise Locations in Seoul and Suwon
by Kim Heungsoon
Published 13 Apr.2026 12:00(KST)
Updated 13 Apr.2026 13:39(KST)
Korea Consumer Agency Inspects 40 Products from 20 Stores
Chunli Malatang Myeongdong, Shangchi Mala Ajou University, Shaolin Mala Gajaeul
Escherichia coli and Other Bacteria Found in Malatang and Peanut Sauce
Inventory Disposal and En
As Mala Tang continues to enjoy steady popularity across all age groups in the dining-out market, it has been found that urgent improvements in hygiene management are needed following the detection of food poisoning bacteria at some franchise locations.
On April 13, the Korea Consumer Agency announced that, after inspecting 40 products (20 Mala Tang and 20 peanut sauces) from 20 major Mala Tang franchises in Korea, they found foodborne bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus, Listeria monocytogenes, and Escherichia coli in one Mala Tang sample and three peanut sauce samples.
Specifically, Staphylococcus aureus and Listeria bacteria were detected in both the Mala Tang and peanut sauce from the main Myeong-dong branch of Chunli Mala Tang. Additionally, Escherichia coli and Listeria were found in the peanut sauces from the Ajou University directly operated branch of Xiangchi Mala and the Gajaeul branch of Shaolin Mala.
According to Food Safety Korea, a food safety information platform under the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, Staphylococcus aureus is highly resistant in high-salt or dry environments, allowing it to survive in food for several months. Symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and nausea can appear on average three hours after ingestion.
Listeria monocytogenes is a psychrotrophic bacterium that can multiply in refrigerated or vacuum conditions, causing symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and fever. Pregnant women may experience miscarriage or stillbirth, while immunocompromised individuals can develop meningitis or sepsis. Escherichia coli is the most common cause of food poisoning and can lead to diarrhea, abdominal pain, vomiting, bloody stools, fatigue, and dehydration when infected.
Mala Tang is a food that is consumed immediately after preparation. The accompanying peanut sauce is also made in-store by mixing water or seasonings and is eaten without any additional heating, raising concerns about direct health risks to consumers.
The Korea Consumer Agency recommended that businesses found to have manufactured or sold products contaminated with foodborne bacteria dispose of their remaining stock and strengthen hygiene management. The agency also requested that relevant authorities implement inspections and other measures for Mala Tang vendors. The three businesses responsible for manufacturing or selling the contaminated products responded to the agency, pledging to discard the affected stock and improve the hygiene management of their food preparation facilities.
The Korea Consumer Agency advised that if any harm is caused by these foods, consumers should contact the 1372 Consumer Counseling Center (dial 1372 without an area code) or Consumer24 for assistance. The agency also urged consumers to eat delivered or packaged prepared foods immediately, and if immediate consumption is difficult, to refrigerate and reheat thoroughly before eating.
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