Crunch Time for Food Safety: 274 Producers of Pickled Delights Under the Microscope in Latest Hygiene Inspection

To ensure the safety of pickled cabbage and gwamegi, which are increasingly consumed in the winter, the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety will inspect the hygiene management status of producers of simply processed agricultural and marine products together with local governments from November 1 to 29.

Simply processed agricultural and marine products are agricultural and marine products that have gone through simple processes such as cutting, peeling, drying, and washing to the extent that their original form can be recognized without using food additives or other raw materials.

The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (Director Yoo-kyung Oh) said that the inspection targets were 144 producers of simply processed agricultural products such as pickled cabbage, peeled garlic, and washed onions, which are major consumption items during the kimchi season, and 130 producers of simply processed marine products such as gwamegi, dried seaweed, and dried anchovies. revealed.

The main inspection contents include △ storage conditions of raw materials and final products △ hygiene management of machines and equipment used in the workplace and during manufacturing △ whether workers wear sanitary clothing and sanitary hats △ whether food additives such as sweeteners and preservatives are used.

Companies that are found to be in violation as a result of the inspection plan to take measures such as on-site guidance and imposition of fines in accordance with relevant laws and regulations such as the Food Sanitation Act.

For reference, in the first half of this year, 389 companies producing simply processed agricultural and marine products were inspected, and on-site improvement measures and training to prevent recurrence were conducted for companies that were found to have insufficient hygiene management.

The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety plans to continue to do its best to create a safe food environment by continuously strengthening the safety management of agricultural and marine products widely consumed by the public and taking strict action against violations.