By Na Jeong-ju
Staff Reporter
President Lee Myung-bak indicated Friday that his administration will toughen rules on food safety, saying Korea's punishment of violators is not as heavy as other countries.
He made an unscheduled visit to the Korea Food and Drug Administration (KFDA) and instructed the agency to recall and destroy all Chinese-made food products tainted with melamine as quickly as possible.
``We should protect children first from the tainted food. The KFDA needs to conduct a safety check immediately on all food products and toys at stores near elementary schools,'' Lee told KFDA chief Yun Yeo-pyo.
The President called for the need to strengthen penalties for violators of food-safety regulations, saying the country should deal more sternly with the crimes related to food and narcotics.
His visit came one day after the state food-safety authorities banned imports of Chinese-made food products containing Chinese powdered milk. The watchdog found melamine in two biscuit products manufactured in China for South Korean consumers.
KFDA Chief Yun said a total of 428 imported Chinese food products are currently under scrutiny for possible traces of melamine, a toxic chemical that had been widely used by Chinese dairy producers to simulate a boost in protein levels.
Lee instructed Yun to check the safety of powdered milk for infants immediately.
In the morning, Lee participated in a ceremony at the Supreme Court marking the 60th founding anniversary of South Korea's judicial system.
``It is important to enhance judicial transparency and strengthen the rule of law to help the country join the ranks of advanced countries,'' Lee said in an address. ``Without law and principles, the people's life and property, as well as social safety, cannot be guaranteed.''
On Thursday, Lee pledged to get tough with illegal strikes and street demonstrations, saying the rule of law is crucial for Korea to attract long-term foreign investment and achieve stronger economic development.