[April 26, KOREA WAVE]In South Korea, it has been pointed out that unmanned sales counters, which have increased due to rising prices and high labor costs, are being placed in a blind spot in “food consumption (distribution) expiration date management.” Over the past three years, the number of complaints from consumers has increased significantly, and some argue that appropriate regulations are needed to prevent damage. Food authorities are considering ways to strengthen safety controls for food sold at unmanned counters.
Recently, the Food Safety Information Service under the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety pointed out problems with food management at unmanned counters through a trend report that analyzed consumer complaints of fraudulent and defective food last year. The Food Information Agency analyzed in a report that, “With the expansion of non-face-to-face consumption environments, the number of unmanned sales floors is gradually increasing, and the types of food sold at sales floors are also diversifying.”
According to the report, the number of declarations related to unmanned sales areas increased from nine in 2020 to 171 last year, an increase of 19 times over three years. The most common complaint was that the expiration date had passed, followed by foreign matter found, product deterioration, and hygiene inspection. By food type, declarations for sweets, candies, and beverages accounted for the majority. A Food Information Agency official explained, “Due to the increase in food consumption at unmanned counters, the number of related consumer complaints is increasing every year.”
The number of unmanned stores is increasing like bamboo shoots after the rain, but it is unclear exactly how many stores there are or how big the market is. According to the industry, there are an estimated 100,000 unmanned stores nationwide, and it is estimated that around 30% of these stores sell foods such as ice cream and meal kits. According to the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, as of 2022, there will be more than 37,000 reported cases of food vending machine businesses nationwide.
There are concerns about consumer harm caused by unmanned sales floors’ sloppy management of food expiration dates. Last year, the Korea Consumer Affairs Agency investigated the safety and labeling of 35 foods sold at 29 unmanned sales areas, and found food poisoning bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus) in some products, causing problems. Ta. Last May, the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety conducted intensive inspections of 2,300 unmanned cafes and convenience stores, and 13 were found to be in violation of the Food Sanitation Act. An official from the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety said, “We will do our best to prevent blind spots from occurring.”
The food and restaurant industry sees the number of unmanned sales floors increasing in an era of high prices and high wages, and emphasizes the need for regulation. Major convenience store companies such as GS25 are expanding their unmanned sales areas, and Lotteria, SPC, and Pulmuone are also entering related businesses. An industry source said, “As the burden of labor costs and other expenses increases, we have no choice but to operate unmanned sales floors in order to generate profits.”
Food authorities are also aware of the problems with unmanned sales counters and are struggling to come up with countermeasures. However, they are taking a cautious stance as regulations on unmanned sales areas may limit new businesses in the food and distribution industry. As part of the “Food and Drug Regulatory Innovation 2.0 Agenda” announced in June last year, the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety is promoting regulatory improvements to the current business scope of food vending machines, including food preparation.
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