Recent Violations of Chinese Food Exports to South Korea in February 2024

In February 2024, several instances of non-compliance were detected in Chinese food exports to South Korea. These violations, ranging from packaging irregularities to excessive chemical residues, highlight the importance of maintaining stringent quality control measures in the food industry. This article provides an overview of the violations reported as of February 16th, 2024, shedding light on the specific products, manufacturers, and non-compliant substances involved.

China, one of the major exporters of food products, faced scrutiny in February 2024 due to violations observed in its exports to South Korea. These violations, which have been reported until February 16th, reveal lapses in various aspects of food safety and compliance.

1. ZARA HOME Tableware:

One violation involved ZARA HOME tableware, manufactured by GUANGDONG TOTYE CERAMICS INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD. The ceramic material used in the tableware was found to exceed the permissible lead levels. The standards require the plates and spoons to have lead levels below 8 μg/cm² and bowls below 0.5 mg/L. However, the detected levels were 140 μg/cm² for plates and spoons, and 1.9 mg/L for bowls.

2. Aluminum Foil:

Exports of aluminum foil from WEIHAI HAIYANGFENG FISHING TACKLE CO., LTD were found to have excessive total dissolved content. The permissible limit is 30 mg/L, but the detected levels were 6 mg/L in water, 10 mg/L in 4% acetic acid, and 1077 mg/L in n-heptane.

3. Storage Jar:

YIWUSHIJISONG COMMODITY COMPANY violated the permissible limit of total dissolved content in their storage jars. While the limit is 30 mg/L, the detected level was 74 mg/L in 4% acetic acid.

4. Multi Cooker:

The multi cooker manufactured by GUANGDONG WANDI ELECTRIC APPLIANCE CO., LTD was found to exceed the permissible limit of total dissolved content. The limit is 30 mg/L, but the levels detected were 88 mg/L in 4% acetic acid, 7 mg/L in water, and 13 mg/L in n-heptane. However, when used at temperatures below 100℃, the n-heptane levels were within the limit of 150 mg/L.

5. Heart Kohakuto:

SHENZHEN PETER BEAR FOOD CO., LTD violated the regulations by using prohibited tar colorants in their heart-shaped amber sugar candies. The regulations strictly prohibit the presence of such colorants, but red colorant No. 2 was detected in the product.

These are just a few examples of the violations detected in Chinese food exports to South Korea in February 2024. Other cases included excessive nickel levels in coffee-related products, the presence of unauthorized pesticides in live cut-tailed bullhead fish, and surpassing limits for hydroxymethylfurfural in sugar-fed honey.

The recent violations in Chinese food exports to South Korea underscore the need for meticulous adherence to food safety standards and regulations. It is crucial for manufacturers and exporters to prioritize quality control measures throughout the production process to ensure the safety and compliance of their products. By addressing these violations and strengthening oversight, both China and South Korea can work together to maintain the integrity of the food trade and safeguard consumer health.