NAQS Launches Special Crackdown on Grain Labeling for New Rice Harvest Season; Up to 5x Fine for False Labels

The National Agricultural Products Quality Management Service (NAQS) announced that it will launch an intensive crackdown on illegal grain distribution practices, such as disguising old rice as newly harvested rice, ahead of the new rice shipment season.

The NAQS will conduct a special crackdown on grain labeling for 64 days from September 28 to November 30.

The targets of the crackdown include grain processing companies such as Rice Processing Complexes (RPCs) and custom milling plants, as well as grain retailers, online sellers, and handlers of imported rice intended for table use.

The NAQS plans to check whether the labeling of rice production year, milling date, origin, and variety is appropriate, and will also inspect whether sellers are mixing new and old rice or domestic and foreign rice.

The agency will monitor businesses selling rice at prices suspiciously lower than market rates and conduct scientific enforcement, including DNA analysis on rice suspected of being illegally distributed.

Those caught with false labeling can face up to three years in prison or a fine of up to five times the market value of the grain used or disposed of, in accordance with the Grain Management Act.

Failing to display required labels will result in a fine of up to 2 million won.

NAQS Director Kim Chul stated, "There is a possibility that illegal grain labeling practices may increase during the new rice harvest season," and urged the public, "If you suspect any violations in grain labeling, please report them through the illegal distribution reporting center or the NAQS website."

(Photo provided by the National Agricultural Products Quality Management Service, Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.