May 9, 2008

 

South Korean food producers enhance safety measures

 

 

Food manufacturers in South Korea are taking steps to improve their products' safety amid heightened public concern.

 

Processed food supplier Cheil Jedang plans to invest KRW13 billion each year to enhance the safety of its infrastructure and systems.

 

It will invest KRW9 billion in adding automation facilities and KRW3 billion in purchasing metal and X-ray detectors.

 

Dongwon F&B, which sales suffered after a knife blade was found on one of its tuna cans, has spent KRW15 billion to strengthen its factories' safety facilities and improving the production system.

 

In September, the company will launch an "open factory" project, which will allow consumers to visit its factories and see the manufacturing process.

 

Retailers have also implemented measures to ensure the public's safety.

 

Hyundai Department Store cut the circulation period of gimbab this month to two hours from seven hours. It also reduced the shelf life for sandwiches from 10 hours to four, and stopped offering takeout sushi.

 

Lotte Department Store will be conducting extensive inspections from this month to September, focusing more on products that spoil easily.

 

Shinsegae Department Store is making daily checks of the food poisoning index released by the Korea Food and Drug Administration and passing it on to safety inspectors at each branch.

 

US$1=KRW1,043.95, as of May 9