To provide safe food to residents and block the distribution of substandard food during the kimchi-making season, Chungcheongbuk-do is conducting an intensive crackdown on the hygiene management and origin labeling of seasonal foods for two weeks from November 2 to November 13.

The main targets of the crackdown include manufacturing and processing businesses for kimchi, red pepper powder, and salted seafood, as well as agricultural and livestock product distribution and sales businesses. Key inspection points include: ▲ compliance with food standards and specifications, and violations of storage methods; ▲ violations of sales prohibition acts, such as selling spoiled or deteriorated foods and products past their expiration dates; ▲ compliance with hygienic handling standards and business operator obligations; and ▲ false (confusing) labeling of origins.

In particular, for items suspected of violating origin labeling, the province plans to investigate violations by checking transaction details and raw material purchase and sales data. Additionally, to secure the safety of seasonal foods, it plans to conduct origin inspections and collection tests regarding compliance with standards and specifications simultaneously.

"As the consumption of food ingredients such as kimchi and various seasonings increases during the kimchi-making season, we will thoroughly inspect hygiene management and origin labeling at the manufacturing and distribution stages," a provincial official stated. "We will respond strictly to related violations so that residents can purchase kimchi-making ingredients with peace of mind."

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