The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) in South Korea has launched a comprehensive inspection campaign targeting meat processing companies that supply products such as ham and sausages to school meal programs. This initiative is a proactive response to rising demand for convenient home meals and school meal supplies, driven by an increase in single-person households and higher restaurant prices. The campaign aims to ensure food safety and consumer trust by focusing on hygiene and compliance within the meat processing sector. The MFDS is collaborating with 17 local governments to carry out these inspections.
The inspection targets approximately 860 meat processing and meat instant sales processing companies, including those manufacturing and selling products like bulgogi, ham, and sausages. The scope includes both traditional meat processors and instant sales processors, reflecting recent trends in the industry. Over the past three years, the number of traditional meat processors has declined, while instant sales processors have increased. The MFDS has responded by doubling the number of instant sales processors inspected from 160 last year to 320 this year.
The inspection period runs from February 23 to March 6, 2024, coinciding with the start of the new school semester and increased demand for processed meat products. Inspectors will assess hygiene practices, compliance with self-quality testing regulations, adherence to preservation and distribution standards, and the handling of expired products. Additionally, 1,080 samples of processed meat products will be collected for testing against pathogens such as E. coli and Salmonella, as well as for residues of up to 146 veterinary drugs and 118 pesticides. Violations will result in strict administrative actions.
Frequently asked questions include: What are the main inspection criteria? Inspectors will check hygiene, quality testing, distribution standards, and expired product handling. How are samples tested? Collected products are analyzed for foodborne pathogens and chemical residues. What happens to violators? Companies found in violation will face administrative penalties. For further information, contact the MFDS Livestock Product Safety Policy Division at 043-719-3253.
The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety’s expanded inspection campaign is a strategic response to increased demand for processed meats in school meals and home consumption. Doubling the inspection coverage for instant sales processors addresses the sector’s growth and ensures higher safety standards. Rigorous testing for pathogens and chemical residues is likely to enhance consumer confidence. The policy’s timing, ahead of the new school semester, underscores its preventive focus. Strict enforcement and ongoing monitoring will be essential for sustained food safety.