Gyeonggi Special Judicial Police Uncover 24 Violations at Coastal Food Service Businesses

Gyeonggi Province conducted an intensive crackdown on food service establishments near the coast in five areas, including Ansan and Hwaseong, and caught 24 businesses violating the Food Sanitation Act and other laws.

On November 10, the Gyeonggi Special Judicial Police said it had conducted a crackdown on illegal activities in five areas—Ansan, Hwaseong, Siheung, Pyeongtaek, and Gimpo—from October 6 to 20, 2026, uncovering a total of 24 violations: four cases of operating an unregistered food service business, 10 cases of failing to report changes after using additional space outside the business premises, nine cases of storing products past their use-by dates, and one case of violating food handling standards.

Among the major violations, Business A was caught selling shrimp and other products while operating an aquaculture farm without notifying the relevant authorities. Restaurant B was found to have installed tables, chairs, and other items outside its business premises and operated there as part of its food service business. Sushi restaurant C was caught storing ingredients past their use-by dates without labeling them for disposal, while Cafe D was found to have stored sausages that should have been refrigerated in a freezer.

Results of Intensive Crackdown on Illegal Activities at Coastal Food Service Establishments by the Gyeonggi Province Special Judicial Police Agency

Under the Food Sanitation Act, operating a food service business without notifying the relevant authorities, or using additional space outside the business premises without reporting the change, is punishable by up to three years in prison or a fine of up to KRW 30 million. Storing products past their use-by dates without labeling them for educational use or disposal is also punishable by up to three years in prison or a fine of up to KRW 30 million.

Before the crackdown, the Provincial Special Judicial Police Unit carefully gathered information to select its targets in advance. It also worked proactively to improve the efficiency of the crackdown by catching food service activities in progress to secure direct evidence.

Kwon Mun-ju, head of the Provincial Special Judicial Police Unit, said, "We will continue to take firm action against illegal activities that undermine food safety near the coast and fair market order. We will do our utmost to ensure residents can enjoy a safe and comfortable stay at the coast."

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