Have you had a questionable food-related experience? Here is how you can report conditions for inspection. The Pyeongtaek-si government website provides the following information for reporting unsafe food.
Reporting Food Safety
In Pyeongtaek, residents have a direct way to contribute to food safety by reporting unsafe or expired food products. This ensures that all community members, whether local or foreign, can access safe, high-quality food.
If you encounter unsafe food products, expired, or not up to standard, report them. The city so will investigate and remove them from the market if necessary. This blog will guide international residents through the process of reporting food safety issues in Pyeongtaek, offering useful tips and resources, including language assistance through the Pyeongtaek Foreigner Information Center (PFIC).
Why Reporting Unsafe Food Products Is Important
Unsafe food products can pose serious health risks, especially for vulnerable populations like children, the elderly, or people with food allergies. South Korea and Pyeongtaek-si take food safety seriously. The government encourages residents to report issues with food products to maintain high standards of public health.
By reporting food safety issues, you can:
- Help protect the community from foodborne illnesses.
- Ensure that unsafe products are removed from shelves or properly recalled.
- Potentially receive compensation for your valid report. Valid reports may receive up to 300,000 KRW, depending on the severity of the issue. (You must be a legal resident in South Korea to collect the reward)
How to Report Unsafe Food Products in Pyeongtaek
If you come across a food product that you believe is unsafe, expired, or not up to standard, follow these steps to report it through the official channels:
Report Through the Pyeongtaek Portal
The easiest way to report food safety issues is through the official Pyeongtaek City Portal, which allows you to file a complaint online. You will need to provide essential information, including details about the food product, the store or business selling it, and any evidence (such as photos) that can help support your claim.
Steps to report online:
- Go to the official Pyeongtaek City website and navigate to the “Food Safety” section. If you’re unsure where to find this, you can use the search feature to find “부정불량식품신고” (reporting unsafe food).
- Fill in the necessary forms with your contact information, a description of the food item, and the store name or location where the food was purchased.
- Upload photos of the product (such as the expiration date or any visible issues) to support your report.
- Submit your report for investigation.
Remember the website and forms will all need navigated and filled out in Korea.
Report by Calling 1399
If you don’t feel comfortable submitting your report online, you can also report food safety issues by calling 1399. This is a nationwide helpline dedicated to handling complaints related to health, food safety, and other public issues. This means you can also report food safety issues from anywhere in Korea on this hotline. You will need to report in Korean.
When you call, be prepared to provide:
- Your personal information (name, contact details).
- The store or business information (name, address, contact number).
- Details about the food product (brand name, type, packaging, and any issues such as expiry date, contamination, or damage).
- Evidence such as photos or the product label to help verify your claim.
Provide Supporting Evidence
We said it before and we will say it again, for your report to be taken seriously and acted upon quickly, you will need to provide as much detail as possible. Supporting evidence can include:
- Photos of the food product, including the expiration date, damaged packaging, or visible contamination.
- Receipts or proof of purchase (if possible) to identify where the product was bought.
- Description of the food item, including brand name, product type, and any other relevant details that could assist authorities in identifying the product.
Understand the Compensation Process
In Pyeongtaek, legal residents who report valid food safety issues may be eligible for compensation. If your report leads to the removal of unsafe products, you could receive compensation up to 300,000 KRW, depending on the severity and impact of the report.
Keep in mind that the compensation amount may vary, and you will need to provide clear, verifiable evidence for your report to be deemed valid. You will also need an FRC and a Korean bank account.
Language Barrier and Assistance
For international residents in Pyeongtaek, the language barrier can be one of the biggest obstacles when reporting food safety issues. Most official forms and communications are in Korean, and many of the services available through the Pyeongtaek City Portal or 1399 helpline are in Korean as well. However, you don’t have to navigate the process alone.
Pyeongtaek Foreigner Information Center (PFIC)
The Pyeongtaek Foreigner Information Center (PIEF) offers valuable support for non-Korean speakers. PIEF helps international residents by providing translation services and guidance on navigating official reporting systems. If you have difficulty understanding the process or need help communicating in Korean, PIEF staff can assist you with the following:
- Filling out online forms: The center can help translate the forms and guide you in completing the required information.
- Phone assistance: If you prefer to call 1399 but are worried about the language barrier, PFIC can help you make the call. Visit on of their offices during business hours.
- General guidance: If you’re unsure of how to approach reporting or what evidence to provide, PIEF staff can offer advice based on your situation.
PFIC is dedicated to helping international residents integrate into Korean society and access essential services, making it a great resource for navigating public services like reporting food safety issues.
How to Contact PFIC:
- Pyeongtaek Foreigner Information Center
- Phone: 1660-4357
- Hours: Monday – Friday, 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Email: pief.infocenter@gmail.com
What Happens After You Report a Food Safety Issue?
Once your report is submitted, it will be reviewed by local authorities. Depending on the severity of the issue and the supporting evidence provided, the authorities will take appropriate action, which may include:
- Investigating the source of the food product.
- Removing unsafe products from shelves or conducting a recall.
- Issuing fines or penalties to the business or store responsible for selling the unsafe food.
- Compensating you if your report leads to the removal of unsafe products.
By reporting unsafe food, you play an active role in maintaining food safety in your community and protecting the health of others.
Why We Haven’t Provided Specific Tutorials
In this blog, we’ve refrained from offering a step-by-step tutorial. This is because both the official city website and mobile apps often undergo updates and changes that can render tutorials quickly outdated or no longer relevant.
If you need assistance or experience any difficulties, the PFIC can provide guidance, support, and up-to-date information to help you navigate the system. By relying on these resources, you can ensure your report is submitted without confusion, regardless of any changes to the online systems.
In short, while it may seem helpful to provide a fixed tutorial, the evolving nature of these platforms means that it’s better to visit the site or app directly for the most current instructions.
Helping Maintain a Safe Food Environment in Pyeongtaek
Reporting unsafe or expired food products is an essential way for residents—both local and foreign—to ensure a safe environment for all. By using the official Pyeongtaek portal, calling 1399, and providing clear evidence, you can help protect yourself and others from potential health risks. If language barriers pose a challenge, remember that the Pyeongtaek Foreigner Information Center (PFIC) is there to assist with translation and guidance through the reporting process.
Learn More About Living In Pyeongtaek-si
Thank you for reading this blog post! If you’re looking to learn more about integrating into life in Pyeongtaek-si, South Korea, we encourage you to attend our in-person classes or workshops hosted by the Pyeongtaek International Exchange Foundation (PIEF). These events are designed to help you navigate life here, from understanding local culture to practical tips for daily living.
Whether you’re a newcomer or a long-time resident, our classes offer valuable insights into the unique aspects of Pyeongtaek. You can also catch up on past sessions by visiting and following our Facebook Page, where you’ll find recordings of previous classes to watch at your convenience. Join us at PIEF and take the next step toward making the most of your experience in Pyeongtaek!
Founded in 2015, the South of Seoul team consists of volunteers on three continents working together to support English-speaking people traveling or living in South Korea. South of Seoul volunteers work with organizations and individuals across South Korea to improve equitable access to information across South Korea. Much of South of Seoul’s information focuses on Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea.
Blogs published under the authorship of “South of Seoul” include blogs compiled by multiple volunteers to improve access to standardized information unrelated to individualized personal experiences.
