236 establishments targeted from Aug. 27 to Sept. 11, including restaurants, unmanned stores and school canteens
Paju city announced Friday that it will conduct hygiene inspections of food preparation and sales establishments near schools from Aug. 27 to Sept. 11, ahead of the fall semester.
Inspection teams made up of dedicated children's food safety officers will cover 236 establishments within 200 meters of schools — designated children's food safety protection zones — including restaurants, bakeries and other food service businesses, unmanned stores and school canteens.
Inspectors will check for hygienic management of cooking facilities and utensils; compliance with refrigeration and freezing standards for ingredients; display, storage or use of products past their expiration dates; sales of so-called "fun-sumer" products that appeal to children's emotions or encourage recreational consumption; sales of high-calorie, low-nutrition foods and high-caffeine products at school canteens; whether food handlers have undergone required health checkups; and personal hygiene practices.
Minor violations that can be corrected on the spot will be addressed immediately, while establishments found to have committed serious infractions will face administrative action under relevant regulations, the city said.
"We will do our best to ensure children can purchase safe and healthy food as the fall semester begins," said Jang Hye-hyeon, head of the hygiene division. "We will continue to work toward creating a trustworthy food purchasing environment through ongoing oversight."
pjh@heraldcorp.com
