Gyeonggi Province Special Investigation Police Conduct Intensive Investigation into Illegal Acts in Chuseok Food Manufacturing and Sales Businesses

[Suwon Ilbo=Reporter Park No-hun] The Gyeonggi Province Special Investigation Police will conduct an intensive investigation into illegal acts targeting peak-season food manufacturers and livestock product retailers from August 23 to September 3 to ensure food safety for the Chuseok holiday.

This investigation primarily targets businesses engaged in manufacturing and sales of Chuseok peak-season foods such as livestock products, rice cakes, ritual offerings, and gift sets that lack certification in Food Safety Management Standards (HACCP), which are sanitation blind spots. However, considering the difficulties faced by small businesses due to strengthened social distancing measures, small-scale enterprises have been excluded from the investigation.

The main investigation focuses on ▲unlicensed food manufacturing and sales ▲violations of food handling standards and specifications ▲use or storage of expired raw materials ▲unsanitary management of work facilities and food ▲false labeling of origin of produce. The province plans to take strong measures against violating businesses according to relevant laws including the Food Sanitation Act, Origin Labeling Act, and Livestock Products Sanitation Management Act.

Yun Tae-wan, Chief of the Gyeonggi Province Special Investigation Police, stated, "This investigation focuses on intensive inspections of Chuseok peak-season food manufacturers and retailers for which high demand is expected as we approach our unique national holiday. Through this effort, we will prevent health hazards caused by food and secure safe and healthy food for Gyeonggi residents."