Suspicion of false mark of origin, even in January investigation, collection was only taken in March
Consumers afflicted with Ottogi’s easy-going coping with’it’s a national company
[스트레이트뉴스 장영일 기자] Ottogi apologized for allegations of false origin of its seaweed products, but the controversy has not subsided. It is expected that Ottogi’s continued unfortunate moves will inflict considerable damage on the image that was praised as a national company.
According to the industry on the 12th, Ottogi apologized for allegations that Chinese seaweed was mixed with its seaweed products and said that it would withdraw the product.
Ottogi explained, “Seaweed products are being supplied by three companies, and one of them is being investigated for violation of the country of origin labeling.” He said, “There is currently no clear fact, but we decided to voluntarily collect the product in order to relieve customers’ anxiety and suspicion.”
The products subject to collection are those marked with’F2′ on the manufacturing date among’Ottogi Old Seaweed’ and’Ottogi Old Seaweed’.
Even after Ottogi’s clarification and apology, the controversy continues. There were also suspicions that Ottogi did not take any action even after learning of the investigation in January.
In January, Ottogi is known to know that Company A is being investigated in connection with the mixing of seaweed made in China. Ottogi officials were also investigated for reference, but when this fact came to the surface through a recent report, they apologized and took action.
Because of this, consumers did not know this for about two months and purchased Ottogi products, but consumers are only confused at the apology for this and the apology for no compensation.
Consumers are constantly criticizing, “I believe in Ottogi and only buy that seaweed, and I’m upset”, “Don’t blame the supplier. Ottogi’s fault for not having a supplier inspection once is bigger”, and “Why is processing in China?” .
This is not the only regrettable response. It is pointed out that Ottogi’s response is unfortunate as recent events have been summoned.
In 2019, there was an incident that a consumer reported to the Food Safety and Drug Administration, claiming that a stained white cotton glove came out of Ottogi’s’Real Jjolmyeon’. At the time, a field investigation revealed that it was the same as the gloves used in the factory, and Otto was also admitted, but there was no promise to determine the cause and prevent recurrence.
At the time, Ottogi said, “It cannot be said that the same type of gloves is used in some processes, so it is not 100%.” We are waiting for you,” he explained.
In 2018, curly hair about 2cm in size was found in cup rice products, but Ottogi responded, “Because it is done by hand, it may be entered during manufacturing,” raising controversy.
The problem of labeling the country of origin is said to be a fatal blow in the food industry, which is equivalent to poor hygiene. It is a matter of addition to Ottogi, who is suffering from internal transactions and corporate governance issues.
Ottogi’s owners’ family’s private interests have persisted due to the high proportion of affiliates’ internal transactions. Ottogi Ramyun, an affiliate, raises most of its total sales from transactions with Ottogi.
Ottogi SF, which is similar to the private company of Mr. Yoonsik Ham, the eldest son of Chairman Ham Young-jun, generated 80% of last year’s sales through internal transactions. The controlling shareholders of Ottogi SF are Ottogi (61.47%) and Ham Yunsik (38.53%).
Ottogi was called’Gattogi’ as it was evaluated as “a model company that fits well with the new government’s economic policy” by President Moon Jae-in in July 2017 due to 100% full-time employment of all employees.
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