Car’s Disease-Fighting Abilities Revealed
- South Korean authorities have cracked down on online retailers advertising adn selling agricultural and forest products that are prohibited for consumption due to toxicity or unproven...
- The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (KFDA) announced on April 3, 2025, the results of an investigation conducted Nov. 11-15.
- according to the KFDA, one company, which is now facing a complaint for violating the food Sanitation Law, was caught advertising that consuming certain products, including "students"...
Online Retailers Selling Unsafe Agricultural Products, South Korean Regulators Warn
Table of Contents
- Online Retailers Selling Unsafe Agricultural Products, South Korean Regulators Warn
- Online Retailers Selling Unsafe Agricultural Products: Your Questions answered
- What’s Happening with Online Sales of Agricultural products in South Korea?
- What Specific Actions Have Been Taken?
- What Kind of Products Are Involved?
- What Are the Risks Associated with These Products?
- Where Can Consumers Verify the Safety of Agricultural Products?
- What is the KFDA Doing to Ensure Product Safety?
- Summary of Key Actions and Dates
South Korean authorities have cracked down on online retailers advertising adn selling agricultural and forest products that are prohibited for consumption due to toxicity or unproven safety.
ministry of Food and Drug Safety Examination
The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (KFDA) announced on April 3, 2025, the results of an investigation conducted Nov. 11-15. The investigation targeted 630 online and brick-and-mortar sales companies. Seven online sites were blocked for illegally selling banned agricultural and forest products.
Misleading Advertising and potential Health Risks
according to the KFDA, one company, which is now facing a complaint for violating the food Sanitation Law, was caught advertising that consuming certain products, including “students” and “fragrance” (likely referring to specific herbal ingredients), in powder or tea form could prevent or treat diseases.
the KFDA emphasized that these substances are herbal medicines and should onyl be taken under the guidance of qualified medical professionals, such as doctors or oriental medicine practitioners, due to their inherent toxicity, potential for allergic reactions, and possible interactions with other medications.
KFDA Urges Caution and Increased Monitoring
To prevent the consumption of unverified and possibly harmful agricultural and forest products, the KFDA advises consumers to verify the edibility of such products via the Food Safety Country Nuri House website.
The agency also plans to collect over 300 samples of commonly used herbal ingredients like Schisandra and Gugija from farms and forests between April 7-11 to test for residual pesticides, heavy metals, and sulfur dioxide.
“We will continue to conduct inspections on agricultural and forest products to strengthen safety management and strictly take action on violations,” an KFDA official stated.
Online Retailers Selling Unsafe Agricultural Products: Your Questions answered
What’s Happening with Online Sales of Agricultural products in South Korea?
South Korean authorities are cracking down on online retailers selling agricultural and forest products that are unsafe for consumption. This action stems from concerns about the potential toxicity and unproven safety of certain products being advertised and sold online.
What Specific Actions Have Been Taken?
On April 3, 2025, the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (KFDA) announced the results of its inquiry into online and brick-and-mortar sales companies. This investigation, conducted from November 11-15, targeted 630 companies. As a result,seven online sites were blocked for illegally selling banned agricultural and forest products.
What Kind of Products Are Involved?
The KFDA found that some companies were selling products, including those labeled as “students” and “fragrance” (likely referring to specific herbal ingredients), that were being marketed with misleading claims. These products were advertised as having the potential to prevent or treat diseases when consumed in powder or tea form.
What Are the Risks Associated with These Products?
The KFDA emphasizes that these substances are herbal medicines. They should only be taken under the guidance of qualified medical professionals, such as doctors or oriental medicine practitioners. The risks include:
Toxicity: Some herbal ingredients can be inherently toxic.
Allergic Reactions: Potential for allergic reactions.
Medication Interactions: Possible interactions with other medications a person may be taking.
Where Can Consumers Verify the Safety of Agricultural Products?
The KFDA advises consumers to verify the edibility of agricultural and forest products through the Food Safety Country Nuri House website.
What is the KFDA Doing to Ensure Product Safety?
The KFDA is taking several steps to strengthen safety management:
Inspections: The agency plans to continue conducting inspections of agricultural and forest products.
Sample Collection and Testing: The KFDA will collect over 300 samples of commonly used herbal ingredients like Schisandra and Gugija from farms and forests between April 7-11 to test for residual pesticides, heavy metals, and sulfur dioxide.
Enforcement: The KFDA will strictly take action on violations.
Summary of Key Actions and Dates
| Action | Date | Details |
| —————————————————————————- | ———————- | ———————————————————————————————————————————————————————— |
| KFDA investigation of sales Companies | Nov. 11-15, 2025 | Targeted 630 online and brick-and-mortar companies. |
| Announcement of Investigation results | April 3, 2025 | Seven online sites blocked for illegal sales. |
| Sample Collection for testing (Herbal Ingredients: Schisandra and Gugija) | April 7-11, 2025 | Testing for residual pesticides, heavy metals, and sulfur dioxide. |
| Ongoing Actions | Ongoing | KFDA will continue inspections and take action on violations to strengthen safety management.|