Baek Jong-won’s Hygiene Controversy: No Clear Measures from ‘Bonn Korea
Hygiene Concerns Mar Hongseong Barbecue Festival
HONGSEONG,South Korea – The Hongseong Barbecue Festival,an event planned and operated by Hongseong-gun,Chungcheongnam-do,has been embroiled in a hygiene controversy following the 2023 and 2024 events. The festival, partly promoted by businessman and broadcaster Baek Jong-won, through The Bonbone Korea, faces criticism for alleged unsanitary practices.
Unrefrigerated Meat Transport in 2023
In 2023, concerns arose when raw meat intended for the festival was transported in a cargo vehicle lacking refrigeration. Photos circulating online showed the meat exposed to sunlight in the truck’s cargo area. Furthermore, individuals handling the meat were reportedly not wearing sanitary attire, raising further hygiene questions.
Improper Meat Storage in 2024
The following year, the 2024 festival saw additional issues. Reports indicated that meat was stored in black plastic bags, with some fish products left exposed outside of the plastic wrapping.
Regulations Violated
According to Article 4 of the Livestock Products sanitation Control Act, livestock products must be packaged, stored, and distributed at specific temperatures: -2°C to 10°C for refrigeration and -18°C for freezing. The images from the festival appear to show meat stored outside of these regulated temperatures.
Baek Jong-won’s Involvement and The Bonbone Korea’s response
Baek Jong-won had actively promoted the Hongseong barbecue festival.In October of last year,he mentioned the event on his YouTube channel,highlighting The Bonbone Korea’s role in organizing the 2024 festival.
Despite their active promotion, The bonbone Korea’s response to the hygiene controversy has been criticized as insufficient. When questioned about the hygiene problems and preventative measures,the company released a brief statement,asserting that “the equipment and objects used during the festival are the top priority of the customer’s safety and trust,and verify that there is no problem with laws and hygiene through thorough preliminary inspections and inspections through separate external institutions.”
Industry Reaction
One food industry official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, stated that the response lacked sincerity given the severity of the concerns. ”Given the nature of a hygiene controversy, there should have been a prompt confirmation of the facts and a clear outline of specific measures to prevent recurrence,” the official said.