Why Special Attention to Ingredients Matters During This Year’s Kimchi-Making Season.

Every fall, Korea enters its kimchi-making season, a time when families prepare kimchi to sustain them through the winter. However, this year, record-high temperatures have affected the crops of key ingredients like napa cabbage and radish, causing prices to surge and raising consumer concerns over illegal distribution and low-quality ingredients sold at lower prices. To address this, the Gyeonggi Province Special Judicial Police (SJ Police) will conduct targeted crackdowns on the illegal distribution of kimchi and related seasonings. This article discusses the SJ Police’s plans and offers guidance on how consumers can select safe and quality ingredients for kimchi.

 

Kimchi-making season is more than just food preparation; it’s an important tradition shared with family and community.

 

Background and Reasons for the Crackdown on Illegal Distribution

The crackdown, scheduled by the Gyeonggi SJ Police from November 11 to November 22, is in response to the poor harvest of napa cabbage and radish this summer due to unprecedented heat waves, which have led to significant price increases. With rising prices, consumers face greater financial strain, creating an opportunity for deceptive practices like mislabeling product origins and selling substandard, unsanitary goods at lower prices. This can have direct health impacts, making strict enforcement essential.

 

Focus of the Crackdown: From Origin Labeling to Expiry Date Violations

The crackdown will focus on several illegal practices. Here are key types of illegal distribution that consumers should watch out for and the corresponding legal penalties.

• False Origin Labeling
  • Target: Napa cabbage, radish, red pepper powder, and other main kimchi ingredients.
  • Illegal Practice: Falsifying origin labels or using misleading descriptions to pass off imports as domestic products.
  • Legal Penalty: Up to 7 years imprisonment or a fine of up to 100 million won.
• Unregistered/Unreported Manufacturing and Processing
  • Target: All kimchi and seasoning manufacturers and processors.
  • Illegal Practice: Producing or processing food without proper registration or approval under the Food Sanitation Act.
  • Legal Penalty: Up to 5 years imprisonment or a fine of up to 50 million won.
• Sale of Expired Products
  • Target: Expired kimchi and seasoning products.
  • Illegal Practice: Selling or displaying products that are past their expiry date or fail to meet hygiene standards.
  • Legal Penalty: Up to 3 years imprisonment or a fine of up to 30 million won.
• Mislabeling Food Information
  • Target: All food products.
  • Illegal Practice: Misleading labels on nutritional content, ingredients, or allergens, making it difficult for consumers to make informed choices.
  • Legal Penalty: Up to 3 years imprisonment or a fine of up to 30 million won.

 

Guide for Consumers to Buy Safe Kimchi Ingredients

As this crackdown aims to ensure safe and healthy food during kimchi-making season, consumers should also be vigilant when purchasing ingredients. Here are some tips to help you choose safe kimchi ingredients.

• Verify the Origin and Manufacturing Location
  • How: Carefully check the origin information on kimchi and seasonings. The origin can affect the flavor and nutritional content of napa cabbage and radish, so make sure the product is trustworthy.
• Check Expiry and Consumption Dates
  • Importance: Kimchi and seasonings can pose health risks due to microbial growth if past their expiration date, so always confirm the expiry date on the package.
• Buy from Trusted Sellers
  • Where: It is best to shop at reputable food vendors or stores. When purchasing kimchi ingredients online, verify the seller’s credibility and check for fake reviews.
• Look for Food Safety Certification Marks
  • Certification: Products with the HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point) certification mark from Korea’s Ministry of Food and Drug Safety are safe and reliable. This certification ensures safety across all stages, from ingredient sourcing to processing, storage, and distribution.

 

Consumer Role in Curbing Illegal Distribution During Kimchi Season

The Gyeonggi SJ Police’s efforts are not only about law enforcement but also about protecting public health. Consumers play a vital role in supporting a healthy kimchi-making culture by being vigilant. If you notice any suspicious kimchi ingredients, report them to the relevant authorities to help eliminate illegal distribution.

• How to Report Illegal Products
  • Process: Report illegal or unsanitary products through the Gyeonggi SJ Police or the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety websites.
  • Rewards: Some local governments offer rewards for reports on illegal distribution, providing compensation to consumers for their assistance.

 

Conclusion: Efforts Toward a Safe Kimchi-Making Season

Kimchi-making season is more than just food preparation; it’s an important tradition shared with family and community. Together with the SJ Police's crackdown efforts and consumer awareness, we can build a safe and healthy kimchi-making culture.