Chef Lee Yeon-bok's gukbap meal kit has been deemed non-compliant with the E. coli standards. Lee Yeon-bok personally apologized and began corrective measures.

On the 16th, Lee Yeon-bok stated on Instagram, "Recently, in the Hanwoo woogeoji gukbap product sold online, the E. coli levels exceeded the standards. We have received a suspension order from the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety."

He further expressed, "Regardless of the reasons, I deeply apologize for disappointing and inconveniencing the customers who trusted and purchased the product," adding that "the entire batch has been disposed of, and sales and production have been halted."

He continued, "For customers who have already purchased the product, we will process refunds and necessary actions through the place of purchase," and promised, "I will take full responsibility and do my utmost to respond. I will maintain a responsible attitude until I can regain trust."

On the same day, the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety determined that “Lee Yeon-bok's Bokjumeoni Hanwoo Woogeoji Gukbap,” a ready-to-eat meal, was non-compliant with bacterial and E. coli standards, ordering a suspension of sales and total recall.

E. coli was detected at levels up to 25 times the standard, and bacteria were also found at levels up to 4.8 times the standard. The product was manufactured by a food processing facility located in Namyangju, Gyeonggi Province, and distribution and sales were handled by Deomokran.

<Photo courtesy of Lee Yeon-bok's Instagram>