The Seoul Metropolitan Government is initiating preemptive safety measures in response to growing concerns over low-cost imported bread, commonly known as "1,000-won bread."
The products have seen surging consumption due to their low prices and extended shelf life of six months or longer. However, food safety concerns have emerged regarding excessive use of preservatives.
The city announced on the 22nd that it will collect and inspect approximately 700 imported bread products distributed through online shopping malls, subway stations, large supermarkets, convenience stores, and traditional markets through the 27th.
Key inspection targets include compliance with standards for major preservatives such as propionic acid, sodium propionate, and calcium propionate, as well as the use of unauthorized tar-based colorants. Products found in violation will be immediately pulled from shelves and subject to recall and disposal.
The city is also strengthening oversight of cross-border e-commerce food products and food-grade utensils and containers. Following recent reports of narcotics detected in jellies, candies, snacks, and hemp seed oil purchased through overseas direct purchasing platforms, authorities will conduct detailed testing for 10 types of drug substances including THC, CBD, amphetamine, and cocaine through next month.
Starting in May, the city plans to intensively inspect food-grade utensils and containers for infants sold through cross-border e-commerce for excessive levels of heavy metals such as lead and cadmium. When non-compliant products are discovered, the city will request sales suspension from online platforms and coordinate with the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety to swiftly block distribution.
"As consumption of 1,000-won bread is rapidly increasing due to easy and cheap access at online malls and subway stations, we will proactively examine safety and respond quickly if problems are found," said Cho Young-chang, Director of the Citizens' Health Bureau at Seoul Metropolitan Government. "We will thoroughly manage the market to prevent substandard food products that threaten citizens' health from being distributed."