Dongdaemun-gu to Conduct Joint Inspection of Country-of-Origin Labels on Agricultural and Fishery Products Ahead of Chuseok

Focusing on Traditional Markets and Restaurants
Swift Prosecution for False Labeling

Dongdaemun-gu in Seoul (District Mayor Choi Dongmin) will conduct a joint inspection of country-of-origin labeling at agricultural and fishery product retailers in the district from September 7 to 23, ahead of Chuseok.

Exterior view of Dongdaemun District Office. Provided by Dongdaemun District Office.

The inspections will target traditional markets, agricultural product distributors, and food service businesses. The focus will be on agricultural and fishery products, especially those with increased transactions during the holiday season as gifts or offerings, as well as those used in restaurant food preparation.

The inspections will begin with honorary agricultural and fisheries product monitors visiting sites to check the current status of labeling. Any businesses suspected of non-compliance or lacking proper labeling will then be subject to a follow-up inspection by public health and hygiene department officials from the district office.

On-site, officials will check the condition of origin labeling boards, guiding businesses to replace any signs that are worn out, damaged, or difficult to read. If there are doubts about the origin of specific products, purchase receipts will be reviewed and, if necessary, the distribution path will be traced. Products displayed for sale will undergo sensory inspections—including external appearance, form, taste, and smell—to ensure the actual items match the stated origin.

Items suspected of false labeling will be collected on the spot and sent for analysis at the National Agricultural Products Quality Management Service Laboratory. Photos of the business and the products will be taken when collecting samples to secure evidence. If the products fail the test, these materials will serve as grounds for legal action or administrative measures.

Businesses found to have engaged in false or deliberately omitted labeling will be reported for administrative penalties in accordance with relevant laws, and their compliance will be re-checked to prevent recurrence. Minor violations will be addressed immediately with guidance for onsite correction. Prior to the inspection, Dongdaemun-gu plans to conduct safety training for both participating public officials and monitors to prevent accidents during fieldwork.

District Mayor Choi Dongmin stated, "Ahead of Chuseok, we will strengthen on-site inspections to ensure that residents can accurately verify and purchase agricultural and fishery products with peace of mind. We will also respond swiftly to any violations to protect both producers and consumers and to establish a sound distribution order."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.