Gyeonggi Province Special Investigation Unit Intensifies Investigation into Misrepresentation of Origins of Japanese Seafood

[Suwon Ilbo=Reporter Park No-hun] The Gyeonggi Province Special Investigation Unit will intensively investigate illegal misrepresentation of origins of imported seafood as a preemptive measure in response to Japan's government's decision to discharge radioactive contaminated water into the ocean.

The Provincial Special Investigation Unit will conduct investigations from May 24 to June 25 across restaurants handling imported seafood and distribution, processing, and sales businesses throughout the province.

In particular, it plans to focus on inspecting Japanese seafood.

The main investigation targets are ▲false or misleading origin labeling at restaurants and retailers handling imported seafood ▲misrepresentation of origins by distribution and processing businesses. The unit will also conduct radiation testing through random sample collection to verify the safety of imported seafood.

Under the Origin Labeling Act, those who falsely or misleadingly label imported seafood as domestic products will face imprisonment of up to 7 years or fines of up to 100 million won.

Additionally, if radiation test results for imported seafood exceed the standard level, the plan is to notify the relevant authorities to take measures for recall.

In-chi-gwon, head of the Gyeonggi Province Special Investigation Unit, said, "This investigation is a proactive measure to protect the residents of the province in a situation where social concerns about Japanese seafood have recently increased," and added, "We will do our best to establish food safety and fair trading order."