The city of Changwon is conducting a special inspection of five local suppliers providing fruit snacks to childcare centers from August 12 to 21 to enhance the quality and safety of these snacks.
This inspection is a proactive measure following a directive from Gyeongsangnam-do for a 'special inspection of all suppliers,' rather than a response to local complaints.
According to the city's distribution department, the inspection will primarily involve document verification and will be conducted with prior notice. Officials will visit the suppliers to compare supply confirmation documents and transaction statements, focusing on the accuracy of listed origins, types of fruit, and purchase records.
Additionally, to ensure hygiene and quality, the inspection will include checks on the temperature maintenance of cold storage for raw materials and the operation of refrigeration equipment in delivery vehicles. The city plans to guide suppliers to make immediate improvements if deficiencies are found, and serious violations, such as false labeling of origins, may result in contract cancellations and other penalties.
Changwon is implementing a fruit snack support program for over 480 childcare centers in the area. The budget for this year is set at 1.258 billion won, comprising 377 million won from the province and 881 million won from the city.
The support rate is 2,000 won per child, an increase of 200 won from last year's 1,800 won. Each child will receive at least 110 grams of fruit once a week, with a total of 45 distributions planned for the year. The city is also considering increasing the number of distributions if there is a surplus in the budget at the end of the year due to a decrease in the number of children enrolled.
Suppliers are selected through public announcements and are renewed annually, with each supplier responsible for one location. The city conducts monthly inspections of suppliers to prioritize the distribution of locally sourced fruit. Currently, about 25-30% of the fruit supplied is sourced from Changwon, with the remainder coming from within Gyeongsangnam-do.
Kang Jong-soon, head of the Changwon Agricultural Technology Center, stated, "Through this special inspection, we aim to provide safer and fresher fruit snacks for children and to build trust with parents. We will continue to establish a stable supply system for local agricultural products and ensure thorough quality management to foster healthy eating habits among growing children."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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