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Seoul City said Monday that civilian food monitors will check the cleanliness of shops selling chocolate, candies and gifts for three days starting Tuesday.
A city spokesman said the check aims to expel poor quality food during the high demand season ahead of Valentine’s Day, when confectionary is in high demand.
The check list includes whether or not the shelf life label is faked, the foods are rotten, nutrition ingredients are labeled, famous foreign brands are used falsely or the manufacturer's name is clear.
The city plans to bring charges against violators, suspend their business or levy fines if products break the rules and will destroy all substandard products.
Last year the city inspected a total of 33 shops selling chocolate, of which eight were fined or prosecuted. The city also collected 135 kilograms of substandard goods, mainly chocolate.
The city also asked consumers to report illegal or substandard snacks, by calling 1399 or 120 (Dasan Call Center).