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Busan Metropolitan City to Conduct Special Food Hygiene and Safety Crackdown Ahead of Major Fall Festivals, Events and Performances

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Busan Metropolitan City, led by Mayor Chun Jae-soo, announced that its Special Judicial Police Division will conduct a five-week Special Investigation into Restaurant Hygiene and Safety in Preparation for Major Events from October 14 through November 13.

The investigation is a proactive measure ahead of fall festivals, events and performances, including the 21st Busan Fireworks Festival. It is intended to prevent illegal practices at food establishments and ensure food safety so that domestic and international visitors to Busan, as well as local residents, can dine and make purchases with confidence.

The crackdown will focus particularly on restaurants near event venues that are expected to be frequently used by domestic and international visitors, restaurants popular on social media (SNS), restaurants specializing in foreign cuisine, and food delivery establishments.

Establishments subject to inspection will be selected based on a comprehensive assessment of risk factors, including previous violations and reports of suspected illegal practices.

Particular attention will be given to establishments serving foods popular among visitors to Busan, including pork and rice soup, milmyeon wheat noodles, live fish, and fish cakes, as well as restaurants specializing in foreign cuisine.

Key areas of inspection will include false or misleading country-of-origin labeling, kitchen cleanliness, food reuse, failure to display price lists, and the use of ingredients past their use-by dates. For food delivery establishments, hygiene conditions during food preparation and packaging will also be inspected.

If violations are identified during the crackdown, Busan Metropolitan City plans to take strict measures in accordance with applicable laws, including criminal prosecution and notification of the relevant authorities.

False or misleading country-of-origin labeling is punishable under the Act on Origin Labeling of Agricultural and Fishery Products by imprisonment for up to seven years or a fine of up to KRW 100 million. Violations of food handling standards are punishable under the Food Sanitation Act by imprisonment for up to five years or a fine of up to KRW 50 million. Failure to display price lists and the storage or use of products past their use-by dates are punishable under the Act on Labeling and Advertising of Foods and the Food Sanitation Act by imprisonment for up to three years or a fine of up to KRW 30 million.

The Busan Metropolitan City Special Judicial Police Division also accepts reports from citizens regarding illegal practices. Reports may be submitted to the Food Investigation Team at 051-888-3091 for food-related matters or 051-888-3096 for country-of-origin labeling matters.

Cho Young-tae, Director General of the Citizens' Livelihood Bureau of Busan Metropolitan City, said, “Ensuring safe and hygienic food for domestic and international visitors coming to Busan to enjoy major fall events is a top priority for a global tourism city. Through thorough hygiene inspections, we will strengthen confidence in Busan’s food and firmly establish Busan’s image as a safe city that visitors will want to return to.”