Imported Food Safety Concerns: Foreign Substances Found in 3,345 Cases

As the consumption of imported food becomes more common, concerns about food safety are growing. According to recent data, a significant number of foreign substances that threaten people’s health have been discovered in imported foods.

The data, submitted to the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety by Rep. Park Hee-seung of the Democratic Party of Korea, reveals that 3,345 cases of foreign substances were discovered in imported foods over the past six years (2019 to the end of August 2024).

Types of Foreign Substances Found

The most common foreign substances found were:

• Bugs (869 cases, 26%)
• Mold (533 cases, 15.9%)
• Plastic (263 cases, 7.9%)
• Metal (243 cases, 7.3%)
• Glass (37 cases, 1.1%)

Country of Origin

The countries with the most reports of foreign substances were:

• China (776 cases, 23.2%)
• New Zealand (331 cases, 9.9%)
• United States (294 cases, 8.8%)
• Germany (222 cases, 6.6%)

Products Affected

The products most commonly affected by foreign substances were:

• Confectionery (China)
• Infant formula (New Zealand)
• Cheese (United States)

Causes of Contamination

The investigation found that:

• 449 cases (13.4%) of contamination occurred during the manufacturing stage
• 1,255 cases (37.5%) where the manufacturing stage was investigated but the cause of contamination could not be objectively determined
• 1,098 cases (32.8%) where investigation was not possible due to loss/damage of foreign substances, closure of business office, withdrawal of report, etc.

Administrative Actions

During the same period, 449 administrative actions were taken due to foreign substance contamination, including:

• 406 cases (90.4%) of corrective orders
• 30 cases (6.7%) of suspensions of business (including fines in lieu of suspension of business)

Call for Stronger Management and Supervision

Rep. Park Hee-seung emphasized the need for more thorough management and supervision of imported foods, particularly when it comes to formula milk or powdered milk for children. He also called for stronger punishment for those responsible for contamination.