A dairy products display at a hypermarket in Seoul. This image is unrelated to the article. [Yonhap]
A dairy products display at a hypermarket in Seoul. This image is unrelated to the article. [Yonhap]

Caution is advised after some milk and yogurt products on the market were found to exceed safety limits for coliform bacteria or total bacterial count.

The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety said Tuesday it inspected 852 dairy manufacturers and milk retailers together with local governments from July 6 to July 24, as part of efforts to strengthen safety management of dairy products during the summer, when consumption rises.

The inspections covered infant formula manufacturers and businesses with past violations, examining hygiene and safety management practices. Inspectors also collected milk, fermented dairy products, ice cream and other dairy items in circulation and tested them against microbial standards, including for foodborne pathogen contamination.

Of the 692 products tested, three were found to be non-compliant.

"Geoncho Meogin Sinseonhan Jeoon Salgyun Uyu," a low-temperature pasteurized milk made by Yeonboram Uyu, exceeded limits for both total bacterial count and coliform bacteria. "Song Yeong-sin Ranch A2 Jersey Plain Yogurt" by Dituo and "Plain Yogurt" by QL Food both exceeded coliform bacteria limits.

The ministry ordered the non-compliant products destroyed, and the relevant local governments are set to take administrative action against the manufacturers.

On-site inspections of the 852 dairy manufacturers and milk retailers found six businesses in violation of the Livestock Products Sanitary Control Act.

Four businesses had failed to conduct self-quality inspections, the most common violation, while two others were flagged for breaching operator compliance requirements, including failing to maintain production and work records.

Local governments will take administrative action against the businesses found in violation and plan to follow up within six months to verify whether improvements have been made.

"We will continue to strengthen safety management of livestock products that are widely consumed by the public," a ministry official said, "and will take strict action against deliberate illegal practices to create a safe food environment."


betterj@heraldcorp.com