64-day crackdown on fraudulent grain labeling to begin Sept. 28

Production year, milling date and origin to be checked; mixing of new and old rice also targeted

False labeling carries up to 3 years in prison or a fine of up to five times the grain's market value

Officials conduct a special inspection of grain labeling at a rice distribution facility. [National Agricultural Products Quality Management Service]
Officials conduct a special inspection of grain labeling at a rice distribution facility. [National Agricultural Products Quality Management Service]

South Korean authorities will launch a special crackdown on fraudulent rice sales as the new-crop harvest season gets underway, targeting businesses that pass off old rice as freshly harvested grain or blend the two together. Suspected samples will undergo DNA analysis to confirm whether fraud has occurred.

The National Agricultural Products Quality Management Service announced Monday that it will conduct a 64-day special inspection of grain labeling from Sept. 28 through Nov. 30.

The crackdown will cover rice processing complexes, milling factories and other grain processors, as well as grain retailers, online sellers and importers handling rice for table use.

Inspectors will focus on whether labels correctly state the production year, milling date, origin and variety of each product. They will also check for the mixing of new-crop and old-crop rice, or the blending of domestic and imported rice sold without proper disclosure.

Particular attention will be paid to businesses selling rice below market prices. Where violations are suspected, the agency plans to deploy scientific methods including DNA analysis.

Rice sold in South Korea must carry mandatory labeling that includes the product category, weight, and the address, business name and phone number of the producer, processor or distributor, along with the origin, variety, production year, milling date and rating.

Under the Grain Management Act, businesses found to have falsified grain labels face up to three years in prison or a fine of up to five times the market value of the grain used or distributed. Those that fail to display required labeling at all may be fined up to 2 million won ($1,450).

"There is a heightened risk of fraudulent grain labeling during the new-crop season," said Kim Cheol, head of the quality management service. "If you suspect mislabeling, please report it to the fraud reporting center or through our website."


adastra@heraldcorp.com