Research Reports
Improving Safety of Agro-Food Imported from China
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AuthorChoi, Jihyeon
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Publication Date2005.12.01
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Original
This study aims to improve a safety of food imported from China. Current food safety system for the exported food in China as well as food safety system for the imported food in Korea have been reviewed. China has confronted with poor food management system in small scale food enterprises.
Basically, Korea lacks of precautionary food safety control system for the imported food. Most of korean importers care about revenue from business rather than food safety for their imported food. Food safety authorities do not set appropriate Maximum Residue Limit(MRL) of the hazard matters such as heavy metals and pesticides. At the custom clearance level, the inspection system is not effective because the inspection relies on the appearance and color inspection instead of hazard matters inspection.
Some effective policy measures to improve safety of imported food from China are suggested as follows:
(1) Food safety management system for the imported food should be converted into precautionary management system. For the implementation of this, pre-inspection service for the agricultural products and processed food in China. In order to assure the safety for the imported food to Korea, Korea Food Industry Association(KFIA) could run the institute in Sandong area. Food processing company should be enrolled and monitored to improve the safety of imported food.
(2) In order to impose responsibility of exporting country on the food, it is necessary to conclude the MOU between Korea and China. Two countries could exchange information of hazard matters to assist efficient inspection at the custom clearance
(3) The MRL of hazard matters such as heavy metals should be set for the frequently eating foods such as Kimchi and Soybean pastes.
(4) It is essential to impose a heavy penalty on the importers and food processing companies when they violate the food safety regulation
(5) Korean food safety authorities should cooperate to trace and monitor safety of imported food throughout the food chains, "from farm to table".
Researchers: Choi, Ji-Hyeon
E-mail address: jihchoi@krei.re.kr
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