Restaurants Near Spring Flower Festival in Seoul Caught Violating Origin Labeling Regulations

Twelve restaurants near the spring flower festival in Seoul were caught in a special crackdown on origin labeling violations.

On the 20th, the Seoul Metropolitan Government’s Civil Affairs Investigation Division announced that on the 3rd, it conducted a preliminary investigation on famous restaurants known for their delicacies, selecting 35 suspicious establishments and performing on-site inspections.

As a result of the crackdown, a total of 12 establishments were caught for violations, including 6 for false labeling of origin, 1 for confusing labeling, and 5 for failure to label the origin.

In a major violation case, restaurant A falsely labeled the origin of Chinese cabbage kimchi served with sundae soup as domestic. Restaurant B was found to be using American pork in kimchi stew while displaying a message on delivery apps stating, "Only domestic raw pork from Nonghyup safe Han-don is used."

In the case of restaurant C, which is famous on social media for its delicacies, American beef was used for steaks, and the origin was not labeled anywhere, including the menu.

When restaurants falsely label the origin or provide unclear labeling, they may face imprisonment for up to 7 years or a fine of up to 100 million won. Additionally, establishments that do not label the origin can incur fines of up to 10 million won.

The Seoul Metropolitan Government’s Civil Affairs Investigation Division stated that establishments found guilty of false and confusing labeling of origin have been criminally charged, while those failing to label the origin will be subject to fines from the National Agricultural Products Quality Management Service.

Furthermore, the city of Seoul urged citizens who discover violations of origin labeling or who have suffered damages to actively report through the ‘Seoul Smart Complaint Report’ app or ‘Seoul Response Center.’

Whistleblowers who provide crucial evidence may receive a reward of up to 200 million won after undergoing review in accordance with related regulations.

Kang Hee-eun, Acting Director of the Seoul Metropolitan Government’s Civil Affairs Investigation Division, stated, "We will strengthen inspections to ensure accurate origin information is provided, preventing consumer harm and establishing a sound distribution order."

Meanwhile, according to the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, a total of over 3,500 establishments across the country were caught for origin labeling violations in 2022, of which approximately 30% were for false labeling.

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