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  • Bite-sized 'drug gimbap' dipped in soft mustard sauce

  • 'Drug corn' eaten by sprinkling cheese powder on toasted corn

  • Addictive 'drug tteokbokki' with spicy taste


 At some point, food and restaurant names and advertisements with the word 'drug' in front of the food they eat started appearing one after another. 



In fact, the modifier 'drug' was used in front of the food to emphasize that it tastes 'addictively delicious' even though it does not contain drugs. 



However, in the future, it will be difficult to use the word drugs such as 'drug kimbap', 'drug corn', and 'drug tteokbokki' in food labels and advertisements.



This is because, recently, as awareness of the spread of drug crimes has increased, a bill has been proposed in the National Assembly to prevent labeling or advertising by putting the word 'drug' in front of food. 



In a situation where drugs are invading our daily life, there has been a growing call to refrain from verbal expressions and marketing that can instill misconceptions. 



Yesterday (17th), an official from the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety said, "The amendment to the related law has been proposed and is under discussion at the National Assembly, and we are waiting for the results of the discussion.



Some amendments to the 'Act on Labeling and Advertising of Food, etc.' proposed by Kwon Eun-hee, a member of the People's Power, etc. on August 23, contain these contents and are currently being discussed by the Standing Committee.



According to Article 8 of the current Act (Prohibition of Unreasonable Labeling or Advertising), it is stipulated that the labeling or advertising that promotes speculative or obscene expressions in food names significantly infringes public morals or social ethics is prohibited.

The intention is to include 'drugs' by expanding it to 'expression related to harmful substances and harmful substances'.



At the time of the proposal, Rep. Kwon and others said, "The current law is limited only to encouraging speculative or obscene expressions. There is a risk of exposure to advertisements,” he pointed out.



"The purpose is to contribute to the formation of proper social ethics by prohibiting any label or advertisement that significantly infringes on social ethics using expressions about harmful substances and harmful substances."



Once the amendment is passed through the National Assembly and implemented, phrases expressing harmful drugs or harmful substances, such as drugs, will no longer be used in food packaging, restaurant signboards, and advertisements. 



In response, an official from the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety said, "I agree with the purpose of the bill that the use of 'drugs' in food names can have a negative effect on children and adolescents. We are considering ways to regulate the indiscriminate use of drug-related words in behavior.” 



'Hazardous Substances and Harmful Substances' 



Meanwhile, under the current law, those who display or advertise in violation of relevant regulations are severely punished, such as correcting orders, recalling and disposing of hazardous food, and ordering to suspend production or business for a period of up to six months.

In addition, imprisonment for not more than 5 years or a fine of not more than 50 million won may be imposed.