Processed 'Stevia Tomatoes' Sold as New Variety? Authorities Crack Down on False Advertising

Businesses have been caught for false advertising by using promotional phrases that mislead consumers into thinking that processed Stevia tomatoes are fresh agricultural produce.

The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety announced that it has identified 15 businesses that falsely advertised Stevia tomatoes online and 3 businesses that violated hygiene management standards, requesting administrative dispositions and filing complaints with investigative authorities.

Stevia tomatoes are a processed food created by injecting a solution containing food additives such as enzyme-treated stevia and sucralose into washed cherry tomatoes, making them different from regular tomatoes.

However, the penalized businesses promoted Stevia tomatoes as if they were agricultural products by using expressions such as "natural sweetener," "natural sugar," "Stevia farming method," and "new variety."

The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety stated that these businesses sold about 62,000 units, generating sales worth 860 million won.

Separately, the Ministry stated that upon inspecting 18 Stevia tomato products being sold online and offline, E. coli exceeding standard limits was detected in 2 of the products.

(Photo provided by Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.