Gyeonggi Province Special Judicial Police Investigates False Origin Labeling of Rice-Based Processed Foods

[Suwon Ilbo=Park No-hun Reporter] The Gyeonggi Province Special Judicial Police will conduct an intensive investigation of 30 rice processing companies in the province from October 18 to 29 to block illegal activities including false origin labeling of rice.

The main investigation focuses include ▲labeling low-priced imported agricultural products with false origins as high-priced domestic or regional specialty products ▲use of expired products and falsification of business-related documents ▲illegal manufacture and sale of unsafe food ingredients ▲using government-managed grain purchased for processing purposes for other uses, and other violations.

The province plans to take strong measures in accordance with applicable laws including the Country of Origin Labeling Act, Food Sanitation Act, and Grain Management Act, including public disclosure of violations by violating businesses and seizure and destruction of relevant products.

Yun Tae-wan, head of the Gyeonggi Province Special Judicial Police, said "As rice-based processed food consumption has increased due to reduced dining out caused by COVID-19, we are conducting investigations to block fraudulent origin distribution," and added "We plan to eliminate illegal distribution of rice-based processed foods to establish proper distribution order."

The Gyeonggi Province Special Judicial Police accepts reports of illegal activities from residents through its website (www.gg.go.kr/gg_special_cop) or the Gyeonggi Province call center (031-120).