Gyeonggi Province Special Judicial Police Conduct Intensive Investigation into Kimchi and Kimchi Ingredient Manufacturers and Retailers

[Suwon Ilbo=Reporter Park No-hoon] The Gyeonggi Province Special Judicial Police Unit will conduct an intensive investigation into illegal activities by kimchi and kimchi ingredient manufacturers and retailers from October 18 to 29, ahead of the kimchi-making season.

The investigation targets 90 businesses in the province that manufacture and sell kimchi ingredients such as red chili powder, kimchi seasoning, fermented seafood, and kimchi products.

The main investigation focuses on ▲using raw materials with expired expiration dates or storing them without 'for disposal' labels ▲manufacturing, processing, using, or selling food that violates standards and specifications ▲failing to conduct groundwater (drinking water) quality tests and final product self-quality inspections ▲falsely labeling foreign red chili powder and kimchi as domestic products.

Those who use expired raw materials or store them without 'for disposal' labels face imprisonment of up to three years or a fine of up to 30 million won. Those who violate preservation standards or food handling standards and specifications such as improper ingredient mixing ratios face imprisonment of up to five years or a fine of up to 50 million won. Those who falsely label cheap imported red chili powder and kimchi as domestic products face imprisonment of up to seven years or a fine of up to 100 million won.

Yun Tae-wan, chief of the Gyeonggi Province Special Judicial Police Unit, said, "We planned this investigation ahead of the kimchi-making season to ensure the safety of food for provincial residents," and added, "We will conduct an intensive investigation into foods that are heavily consumed during the kimchi-making season, and will take strong measures to punish illegal activities that could threaten the health of provincial residents in accordance with relevant laws."

The Gyeonggi Province Special Judicial Police Unit is accepting reports of illegal activities from provincial residents through its website (www.gg.go.kr/gg_special_cop) or the Gyeonggi Province Call Center (031-120).