This article was published on Feb. 21, 2025, at 10:49 a.m. on the ChosunBiz RM Report site.
The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety noted on the 21st that it will promote the '2025 plan for safety management of imported food purchased online' by doubling the purchase and inspection of overseas direct purchase food.
This is a measure to prevent consumer harm resulting from the increase in imports of hazardous overseas direct purchase food.
The main initiatives include doubling the food inspection targets based on risk levels, diversifying the detection of suspected products containing narcotic substances, collaborating with relevant agencies to block the import of hazardous food, and strengthening consumer education and outreach.
The ministry plans to analyze customs information and focus on purchasing and inspecting overseas direct purchase food that is highly risky or of significant consumer interest based on age, gender, country, and timing, aiming to double the inspection levels.
The number of food items for purchase and inspection is expected to nearly double this year, increasing from 3,400 cases last year to 6,000 cases.
The ministry will also enhance collaboration with relevant agencies. For products with confirmed harmful ingredients, it will request the customs service to hold the items at customs and the Broadcasting and Communications Review Commission to block access to online sales sites, swiftly taking action to prevent the domestic import and sale of hazardous products.
In particular, the ministry will deploy inspection personnel to customs to preemptively block hazardous overseas direct purchase food coming through Incheon Port.
The ministry urged, "Consumers should first check on the 'Overseas Direct Purchase Food Proper Use Website' whether the products contain any ingredients or raw materials that are subject to blocking from domestic import, and do not purchase products registered as hazardous overseas direct purchase food."