김밥의 자가품질검사 항목설정의 합리화 방안

Abstract

Purpose - The self quality inspection which is mandatory in Republic of Korea can play an important role in promoting food safety, but the cost for self quality inspection is also a big burden especially for small businesses. In addition, excessive or duplicated inspection costs resulting from the standard gaps of various ministries and agencies ultimately effect negative social utility. Thus, this paper aims to suggest ways to improve the analysis of self quality inspection for the Ready-to-Eat Foods in terms of dried laver, in order to reduce costs caused by overinclusion. Research design, data, and methodology - The focus of interest is seaweed in Kimbab, which is to be exempted from the Vibrio parahaemolyticus test on the three grounds. First, existing literature provides little support for the necessity of performing a microbiological test. Second, laver products do not require the V.parahaemolyticus test by international standards such as the CODEX. Third, no case was found for seaweed products on the list of information on failed food items over the 2015~16 period. Results - Other types of seaweed such as exportable and seasoning seaweed are not subject to the test. Hence, exclusion of the V.pahaemolyticus test on seaweed is a valid point, bringing about large expected cost savings to many small businesses. Conclusions - Based on a complete survey of 75 food-testing agencies from March 20th to 30th, 2018, this paper finds that the proposed revision of the Kimbab test is likely to save an average of 130,000 won per business per year. Especially, in the case of the testing fee of Salmonella spp.(n,c,m,M), the cost difference by agencies was found to be up to five times. The regional gap in testing fees can be considered an unfair barrier. Accordingly, it is necessary to examine whether the testing fee is set at an appropriate level through the cost-extraction program proposed by the Ministry Food and Drug Safety. Hence, the survey results also point out that harmonization of testing fees charged by different food-testing agencies is appropriate with respect to transparency and efficiency.