South Korea catches multiple goat-based food products making false health claims in latest crackdown

A product by Wellness Black, for example, was advertised online as a product for individuals with menstrual pain, diabetes, and immunity-related diseases, such as hypothyroidism and shingles.

Another product by Organic Pasture claimed that it could “prevent brain ageing and dementia” and “reduce the risk of developing diabetes.”

South Korea’s Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) highlighted the above cases following its recent month-long crackdown conducted between June 17 and July 10.

Nine companies involved in the manufacturing and selling of goat meat, goat extract, goat soup, were caught for violating the Act on Labelling and Advertising of Food or the Livestock Products Sanitation Management Act.

Aside from making health claims, some of the violators also lied about the content of their products, such as incorrectly labelling the amount of black goat extract present in the products.

“The main violations were labelling and advertising that may cause people to 1) perceive the products as effective in preventing and treating diseases or 2) perceive something that is not a health functional food as one, or 3) are false and exaggerated labelling and advertisements or deceive the consumers.”​

The MFDS has targeted goat-related food products due to growing consumer interest. It added that these products are widely sold through TV home shopping and online shopping malls.

Black goat extract has been traditionally consumed in South Korea.

In this case, the meat and bones of the black goat are consumed in the form of an extract. This is prepared by​ processing the entire black goat carcass with Korean medicinal herbs under high temperature and pressure.

Black goat meat is also recognised as a nutritious animal protein due to its low-fat content and abundance of essential amino acids and minerals, such as calcium and iron.

“Recently, as the demand for goat extract and other health food products has increased, the MFDS has conducted a planned inspection of unfair advertisements, such as advertisements that may be perceived as disease prevention or health functional foods, in order to maintain a sound distribution order and prevent damage to consumers,” ​said the MFDS.

Last May, Cheondamon Co Ltd received consumer complaints for lying about its contents.

The company claimed that its goat meat products were only made using female black goats.

However, investigations found that castrated male black goats and female black goats were used in its products. The company also sells health foods containing black goat extract and red ginseng.

“The companies caught this time will be subjected to administrative sanctions by the local government and re-inspected to see if they have improved.​

“The MFDS will strengthen guidance and inspection on acts that deceive consumers to prevent similar violations from recurring, thereby ensuring that safe livestock products are provided,” ​the regulator said.