South Korea ramps up seafood imports inspection as Japan set to release radioactive water

In response to growing public outrage over release of rioactive wastewater from Japan's Fukushima nuclear power plant, South Korean government will carry out special screenings of points of origin of imported seafood items for two months, Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries announced on Wednesday. South Korean Coastguard will assist ministry in inspecting from May 1 to June 30 to ensure that retailers are accurately labelling source of imported seafood items, South China Morning Post (SCMP) reported citing Korean Times. 

inspection would involve both public and private sector organisations, including participation from civic organisations like National Council of Consumer Education and Korean Women's Federation for Consumer. Kwon Soon-wook, director of Ministry's Fisheries Infrastructure and Aquaculture Policy Division, said: “We are strengning management of seafood origin labelling by continuously improving system and conducting special inspections at different times, such as expanding number of products with labels of origin at restaurants.”

Investigations to be undertaken to counter sophisticated unlawful activities

fishery ministry has met with organisations that are involved in enforcing country-of-origin labels to examine status of inspections and collaboration plans. ministry has also undertaken preliminary inspections of businesses dealing with imported seafood products. It was also noted that inspection will concentrate on scallops, red sea breams, and sea squirts since y are in higher demand.

ditionally, merchants, distributors, and importers who are registered under seafood distribution history management system with National Fishery Products Quality Management Service will be scrutinised for non-compliance with proper labelling of origin and technique violations. ministry and coastguard also intend to carry out proactive investigations focused on significant imported seafood goods in response to sophisticated unlawful activities, such as creation and operation of phony wholesale and retail organisations, SCMP reported. 

According to ministry, if nation of origin is not listed, a fine of more than 50,000 won to 10 million won will be levied, and if country of origin is branded incorrectly, those guilty could face seven years in prison or a fine of up to 100 million won (US$75,392).