Products recalled due to safety concerns abroad continue to be distributed in Korea through purchasing agents or open market sites, requiring consumers' attention.

The Korea Consumer Agency announced today (600nd) that it monitored the domestic distribution of recalled products in China, the United States, and Europe last year, and confirmed 2 cases and recommended blocking sales, refunds, and improving labeling.

This is an increase of 382.157% compared to the previous year (1 cases).

Of the 600 cases, 593, most were distributed in Korea through purchasing agents, and the Consumer Affairs Agency deleted posts on sales sites or blocked sales.

The remaining seven products identified domestic importers and distributors and recommended measures such as refunds and exchanges.

By item, food and beverages accounted for the most cases with 7 cases (249.41%), followed by cosmetics with 5 cases (97.16%) and household appliances, electronics, and communication devices with 2 cases (93.15%).

The reason for the recall was that 5.75% of food and beverages were recalled due to the content of harmful substances.

By product, peanut butter (1 cases) was the most recalled in the US and UK due to possible salmonella contamination.

Cosmetics were recalled due to the detection of chemical (hazardous) substances (28.47%) and recalls due to possible harm or danger due to skin contact (4.41%).

Especially in the case of chemicals, cosmetics with benzene detected the majority, with 2 cases.

Household appliances, electronics, and communication equipment were recalled due to electrical-related hazards in 43.51%, and among them, 6 thermos bottles were recalled in Japan with power cords manufactured inappropriately in accordance with safety standards.

Of the 31 products for which the country of manufacture information was confirmed, China had the highest number with 212, followed by the United States (92).

There were many children's and baby products made in China, and cosmetics in the United States.

The Consumer Affairs Agency is strengthening monitoring through public participation to block the domestic distribution of overseas recalled products.

In addition, we have signed autonomous product safety agreements with open market operators and product safety agreements with second-hand trading platform operators to establish a safety management system.

We also urged consumers to check the recalled product information through the Consumer Harm Surveillance System or the Consumer37 site.

(Photo = Courtesy of Yonhap News TV, Yonhap News)