Pork growers lobby for country of origin rules

The Korea Swine Association issued a statement yesterday in protest against the government’s recent measure to force all restaurants in Korea to notify customers of the country origin of rice and beef served there, but not of pork.
“When pork accounts for 57 percent of all meat products circulating in Korea, it is a shame that pork is not included in the Ministry of Health’s origin specification rule,” said the association. “The ministry should promptly apply the rule to pork for the sake of promoting national health and protecting Koreans’ right of choice.”
Late last month, the Health Ministry announced it would revise a food law to take effect next year that will mandate all restaurants with floor space spanning 100 square meters or more to disclose the origin of rice and beef they sell. So far the space has been restricted to one third of the modified size and only grilled beef was covered by the requirement on country of origin. The ministry also said it would consider including beef broth, steamed beef and boiled beef in the classification for the changed law.
Pork farmers argue that a clear distinction between domestic and import pork will improve the price competitiveness of Korean-grown pork as Koreans tend to prefer domestic agricultural products. The country imported 216,000 tons of pork last year.

By Seo Ji-eun Staff Writer [spring@joongang.co.kr]