Recently, media reports highlighted prolonged immigration times for large cruise passengers at Busan Port, citing equipment failures and staff shortages at security checkpoints. In response, the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries stated it is making every effort to reduce immigration times for cruise tourists. Busan Port uses an ‘onboard security screening’ method, allowing about 5,000 passengers to complete boarding in approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. This timeframe is comparable to major cruise terminals in Japan and China.
Currently, Busan Port\’s North Port and Yeongdo cruise terminals have a total of 11 security checkpoints, all maintained and operating normally through a regular maintenance system. To proactively address the increase in cruises from China, 15 new security officers were added in November last year, bringing the total dedicated staff to 66. The Ministry emphasized that all equipment is functioning properly, countering media claims of operational issues.
Meanwhile, controversy arose after it was revealed that toothpaste from Aekyung Industrial contained the banned ingredient triclosan and had been sold domestically for the past three years. The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety is currently inspecting six imported toothpaste products, with company tests detecting up to 0.15% triclosan. While triclosan offers antibacterial effects, experts warn that excessive use may lead to accumulation in the body and potential carcinogenic risks. The MFDS is investigating how triclosan was mixed in and has pledged strict administrative action for any legal violations.
South Korea has restricted the use of triclosan since 2016, while some countries still allow it. The MFDS has committed to thorough safety checks and strengthened management of quasi-drugs to ensure public confidence. This incident is expected to prompt stricter quality control and safety verification for imported products. Transparent government action and swift response will be crucial in restoring consumer trust.