The Fair Trade Commission's (FTC) Task Force for Priority Investigation, which was launched this month, is reportedly investigating instant noodle (ramen) price-fixing following previous probes into processed foods such as instant rice and sauces.

According to industry sources on October 28, the FTC's task force has dispatched investigators to Nongshim, Samyang Foods, Paldo, and Ottogi to conduct on-site inspections.

The on-site inspections are expected to last for about a week.

The FTC is reportedly taking action after capturing circumstances suggesting that these companies colluded to fix ramen prices.

Launched earlier this month, the FTC's Task Force for Priority Investigation is dedicated to handling major unfair practices, such as livelihood-related price-fixing cases that directly threaten the livelihoods of ordinary citizens, cases causing nationwide consumer damage, and platform monopolies.

The market has evaluated this as the resurrection of the investigation bureau—once dubbed the "grim reaper of the business community"—21 years after it was abolished.

Earlier this mid-month, as its first case, the FTC task force conducted on-site inspections targeting Daesang, Ottogi, and CJ CheilJedang to investigate circumstances surrounding price-fixing for processed foods including kimchi, tofu, edible oils, gift sets, instant rice, and sauces.

Following its first case, this move zeroes in on food price-fixing once again.

It appears to declare a policy of taking stern action against law-violating activities in areas closely tied to people's livelihoods.

However, there is a precedent: in 2012, the FTC imposed 135.4 billion won in fines on ramen manufacturing and sales companies, including Nongshim, Samyang Foods, Ottogi, and Korea Yakult, alleging that they had secretly agreed to jointly raise ramen prices over a nine-year period. However, the Supreme Court overturned the lower court's ruling that acknowledged the collusion.

Consequently, in 2016, the FTC sua sponte canceled the relevant corrective orders and fine impositions.

An FTC official stated, "We cannot confirm individual cases."

(File Photo: Yonhap News)