South Korea adopts new meat product risk assessment standard

An updated meat product risk assessment standard that better meets local dietary habits and safeguards public health has been adopted by South Korea.

The National Veterinary Research and Quarantine Service said the new standard that went into effect this month is based on detailed research of local preferences and cooking habits that differ from other countries.

Using statistics on average meat consumption abroad may not properly reflect such matters as daily allowable intake of antibiotics, pesticides, livestock medicine and other chemical compounds.

The research, conducted since last year, reflected new guidelines set by the World Health Organisation and the Food and Agriculture Organisation, said the agency. The quarantine service under the farm ministry said other factors such as age and physiology have also been taken into account.

The new checklist is customised to safeguard public health, it said.

Compared to the past, the margin of exposure and of safety, as well as cancer risks have all been incorporated in the testing process, which is designed to determine individual tolerance to certain chemicals found in food.

The rules will apply to both locally produced meat products and imported meats so as not to raise concerns over trade restrictions.