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Our opinion on the abolition of the obligation for the individual packaging of poultry meat distributed in traditional markets |
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#701 Seoul YWCA 20, Myeong-dong 11-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul, Korea
TEL.: 82-2-774-4050/FAX: 82-2-774-4090
Our opinion on the abolition of the obligation for the individual packaging of poultry meat distributed in traditional markets
In connection with the government’s current efforts for deregulation for the individual packaging of poultry meat distributed in traditional markets, which we appreciate, we would like to point out that these deregulation efforts should not go so far as to affect major regulations that were adopted to ensure consumers’ safety and people’s basic rights.
Specifically, we must express our serious concern over the plan to abolish the obligation for the individual packaging of poultry meat distributed in traditional markets, which the government is considering to enhance the development of traditional markets, as it may compromise consumers’ health and safety.
The individual packaging of poultry meat has been adopted as a standard practice in traditional markets since 2011. The current proposal for exceptions to this practice may result in consumers’ distrust in the status of the hygiene of poultry meat handled in traditional markets. We must also point out that such an attempt will run counter to the local governments’ efforts to breathe life into traditional markets.
Possible problems that may be caused by deregulation for the individual packaging of poultry meat distributed in traditional markets is the following:
1. Poultry meat that is not individually packaged may be contaminated by foreign materials or bacteria.
2. The inability to check the date of production.
3. Unclear identification of producers and the inability to make a distinction between imported poultry meat and domestic meat.
4. The reversal of consistencies in regulations about traditional markets’ hygiene.
It does not make sense to abolish a system that has been set up to protect consumers’ health and safety in order to alleviate the burden on businesses. The government should strive to enhance the quality of the distribution of domestically produced poultry meat to bolster the competitiveness of traditional markets. Maintaining the current system of making it obligatory to pack poultry meat in individual packages should be part of such efforts.
In this regard, we urge that the following actions be implemented:
1. That the Health and Welfare Committee of the National Assembly stop considering making an amendment to the current Livestock Products Sanitary Control Act.
2. That the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) adopts a cautious stance about its plan for making an amendment to the said act and its enforcement ordinance as an agency that is responsible for ensuring people’s health and food safety.
-----------------------------Partners of Korea National Council of Consumer Organizations------------------------------
National YMCA of Korea, Green Consumers Network in Korea, Korea Federation of Housewives Clubs, National Council of Homemakers Classes, Korea Consumer Education Center, National Council of YMCAs of Korea, Consumers Union of Korea, Consumer Affairs Institute, Citizens Alliance for Consumer Protection of Korea
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