Serious Hygiene Issues Uncovered at Delivery Restaurants in Daejeon

Products with false country of origin (Brazilian chicken labeled as domestic). Photo courtesy of Daejeon City Hall

A recent crackdown on food sanitation law violations by the Daejeon Special Judicial Police has revealed serious hygiene issues at delivery restaurants in the area. The investigation, which targeted restaurants registered on delivery apps and PC cafe restaurants frequently visited by students and young people, found a total of 5 establishments in violation of food sanitation laws.

The main violations included the storage and use of products past their expiration date, as well as false labeling of the country of origin. Three restaurants were found to be storing food past its expiration date for cooking purposes, while one restaurant was actually using expired products for cooking. Additionally, one delivery-only restaurant was found to have sold food with a false country of origin.

Violations of the Food Sanitation Act can result in severe penalties, including imprisonment of up to 3 years or a fine of up to 30 million won. In cases of false labeling of origin, imprisonment of up to 7 years or a fine of up to 100 million won may be imposed, and the details of the violation may be made public.

Expired products are stored for the purpose of cooking and selling food. Photo courtesy of Daejeon City Hall

The Daejeon Special Judicial Police will conduct a thorough investigation into the businesses caught and send them to the prosecution. Additionally, they plan to request administrative measures from the relevant autonomous districts to ensure food safety for citizens.

Shim Im-muk, the head of the Citizen Safety Office, stated, “We will continue to strengthen safety management for delivery food and PC room restaurants to create a food environment where consumers can choose with confidence, and we will do our best to prevent food accidents and manage hygiene.”