South Korean local authorities launch school-area food safety inspections

Local authorities in South Korea are conducting intensive food safety inspections to prepare for the autumn school semester.

Gwangju City has announced a guidance and inspection period from August 26 to September 11, targeting 177 food preparation and sales establishments near schools. The inspections will focus on unmanned stores, school snack bars, and hygiene management, including expiration dates, storage temperatures, and the sale of high-calorie or high-caffeine foods. The city also manages 60 schools within designated child food safety protection zones.

In Seoul, Yeongdeungpo-gu is conducting similar inspections from August 24 to September 11, targeting 69 collective meal service facilities, including 44 schools and 25 kindergartens. The initiative aims to prevent food poisoning, which often rises during the late summer heat. Inspections will cover cooking facility sanitation, ingredient management, personal hygiene of staff, and the use of expired products. The district is also providing practical hygiene guidance and promoting the use of 'View Box' equipment to improve hand-washing education.