1. OTHER MISCELLANEOUS ISSUES

Food Poisoning from Melon Has Caused 16 Deaths in the U.S. … Serious Threat to Korean Consumers due to Not Enough Inspections at the Port of Entry [Korean, OSY]

http://news.donga.com/Economy/Market/3/0108/20110930/40750099/1

Summary: The United States Center for Disease Control (CDC) announced on September 27 that a total of 16 Americans had died to date after eating Colorado grown melon recently.  CDC explained that the cause of the death was food poisoning Listeria bacteria on the melons, but CDC was yet to disclose how the melons were contaminated by the bacteria.  Although serious food poisoning incidents are on an increase in major agricultural countries, including the U.S. and the EU, the food distribution system into the Korean market lacks enough measures to prevent those risky products from entering the local market.  For example, only 30 percent of the food product shipments imported into Korea are subject to a detailed lab tests.

Imports of Fresh Fruits This Year through August Amounted to $600 Million, Up 26% [Korean, OSY]

http://www.yonhapnews.co.kr/economy/2011/09/30/0318000000AKR20110930207100002.HTML

Summary: According to the Korea Customs Office, total imports of fresh fruits this year through August were $600 million (507,000 metric tons), up 26 percent from the same period last year.  Imports were led by Banana ($170 million), orange ($160 million), and grapes ($102 million).  Other minor fruits, including cherries, mangos, and avocados, showed a strong growth, amounting to $56 million.  Prices of imported fruits have continued a steady decline since 2008, whereas prices of local fruits increased as much as 40 percent this year.