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2 clusters · 4 sources · 13 days · First seen · Last updated

GMO detection in South Korean soybean products

Overview

Data obtained from the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety indicates that genetically modified organism (GMO) components have been detected in various processed soybean products in South Korea, including tofu, soy milk, and soybean paste.

Testing revealed that 13.8% of tofu samples and 33.3% of processed soy milk samples contained GMO elements. Detection rates were 20% for standard soybean paste and 50% for mixed pastes, though traditional Korean soybean paste and cheonggukjang showed no presence of GMOs.

Because current testing methods are qualitative, authorities can identify the presence of GMOs but cannot determine exact concentrations due to a lack of established quantitative analysis methods for processed foods. Representative Song Ok-ju has called for an expansion of the mandatory labeling system to include products such as tofu, soy milk, starch, and meat alternatives, noting that many detected levels fall below the current 3% regulatory threshold for mandatory labeling.

Entities

Ministry of Food and Drug Safety · Democratic Party of Korea · Jeonnam · Cheonho N Care · Song Ok-ju

Timeline

  1. [HEALTH] 2 sources
    GMO components detected in South Korean tofu and soy milk

    GMO components were detected in 13.8% of tested tofu, soy milk, and soybean paste products in South Korea, prompting calls for expanded mandatory labeling laws.

  2. [BUSINESS] 3 sources
    South Korea food authorities penalize 15 black goat extract manufacturers for mislabeling

    South Korea's Ministry of Food and Drug Safety has penalized 15 manufacturers for mislabeling black goat extract content, involving over 58,000 products worth 3.63 billion KRW.

Sources

kormedi.com · kyeonggi.com · namdonews.com · zdnet.co.kr