The Fair Trade Commission's (FTC) newly established investigation task force is reportedly launching its first case into collusion among food companies.
According to industry sources and relevant government departments on October 14, the FTC's task force has sent investigators to conduct on-site inspections at companies including Daesang, Ottogi, and CJ CheilJedang. The task force has identified signs of collusion in processed food items such as kimchi, tofu, cooking oils, gift sets, instant rice, and sauces, prompting the investigation.
The task force was launched earlier this month, marking the effective revival of the FTC's investigation bureau, which had been referred to as the 'grim reaper of the business world' before its dissolution 21 years ago. The bureau was responsible for investigating unfair practices and improper internal transactions among large corporations.
This case appears to be the first for the task force, which has initiated an investigation into food-related collusion due to the serious nature of legal violations affecting consumer livelihoods.
Recently, FTC Chairperson Jo Byeong-gi stated during a National Assembly audit that the commission would strengthen monitoring of collusion in sectors directly impacting the financial burdens of ordinary households, including energy, food materials, education, and housing. At a press conference on September 21, he emphasized the need to actively utilize investigative capabilities to swiftly and intensively address unfair practices in areas closely related to the daily lives of citizens.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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