The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) urges consumers to check the ‘Right Way for Overseas Direct-Purchase Foods’ website before buying to prevent harm from hazardous ingredients. With the increasing use of direct-purchase overseas foods, the MFDS operates this site to help consumers access safety information in advance. Since 2021, the website has consolidated safety information on overseas direct-purchase foods from various agencies into one platform. Consumers can easily search by product or ingredient name to check for hazardous substances.
The number of users accessing the ‘Right Way’ website has grown significantly: 300,000 in 2023, 400,000 in 2024, and 890,000 in 2025. The site provides information on ingredients and substances banned from import, lists of blocked hazardous foods, and comprehensive safety data. This year, the MFDS plans to intensify online promotion so more people can utilize the service. Direct advertisements will be placed on major platforms such as Google and KakaoTalk.
The MFDS is developing and distributing the ‘Right Way Web App,’ which uses digital technology to allow consumers to check for hazardous foods simply by uploading photos or searching product names. This initiative is linked to the national project ‘AI Import Food Inspection Solution Development and Demonstration for Safe Dining.’ Additionally, online shopping malls operated by import food purchasing agents will be required to guide consumers to check the ‘Right Way’ website before purchase. The revision of the ‘Special Act on Imported Food Safety Management Enforcement Rules’ is underway to support this.
The MFDS advises caution against products with exaggerated efficacy claims and emphasizes the importance of searching for product and ingredient information on the ‘Right Way’ website before buying. Consumers should avoid products containing ingredients banned from import. The agency will continue to strengthen inspections of overseas direct-purchase foods with safety concerns or high consumer interest and will further enhance the website to create a safer purchasing environment.