Penalties for Food Sanitation Act violators reinforced

The government plans to expedite amendments to the Food Sanitation Act to reinforce penalties against manufacturers, distributors, importers and processors of food containing hazardous substances. The new measures are the result of a discussion session on means to eradicate the importation of inferior agricultural products and adulterated food at the capital building on Friday.

The government revealed that stronger penalties will be imposed to eradicate the manufacturing and distribution of hazardous food at its point of origin, replacing the existing law that penalizes offenders with less than 5 years of imprisonment and fines of less than 30 million won. The Ministry of Justice plans to impose manslaughter charges on repeat offenders, who will be subject to investigations. In addition, the maximum court penalty will be imposed on manufacturers and distributors of hazardous food products for human consumption.

The Ministry of Maritime and Fisheries will begin inspecting imported crabs with metal detectors. Moreover, seafood such as globefish and skate fish that can be injected with alien substances will be dissected for inspection. The sample inspection ration will also be increased from the existing 10 ~ 15% to 30%. Once the probe by the prosecutor¡¯s office confirms that imported crabs from China were injected with lead, the government plans to request prevention measures such as pre-inspection of export agriculture and sea products in China.