1. BIOTECHNOLOGY ISSUES

<10/24/2013> Import of Edible GMO Products Records the Highest [Korean, LSH]

http://www.bokuennews.com/news/article.html?no=77968

Summary: It is reported that the import of edible GMO products marked the highest in 2012.  The import volume was 1,550,000 tons in 2008 and it continuously increased to 1,900,000 tons in 2012.  Compared to 2008, the import value increased to 152 billion won (KRW).  Although Korea does not cultivate genetically modified crops, the government invests heavily on research and development of GMOs.  So far, 17 crops and 133 species have been developed and three crops and 6 species are going through safety inspection procedure. 

2. LIVESTOCK ISSUES

Domestic Restaurant Industry Run by Major Companies Avoid Using Domestic Meat [Korean, LSH]

http://www.seoul.co.kr/news/newsView.php?id=20131028015008

Summary: It is found that franchise restaurants run by major companies use more imported meat than domestically produced meat products.  Even the restaurants, which aim to advertise Korean traditional dishes were detected using imported ingredients in the dish.  They say that they have to use imported meat in order to lower production cost as they can save up to 30 percent of the whole cost.  Livestock industries, however, are insisting that the major restaurants must improve consumption of domestic meat supplies.  Currently, livestock industries are having hard time managing oversupplies and increased breeding cost.

3. MARKETING ISSUES

Carbonated Water Shows Strong Sales Growth [Korean, OSY]

http://news.donga.com/3/all/20131027/58498384/1

Summary: According to the retail industry, sales of carbonated (sparkling) water is likely to reach 15 billion won this year, up 30 percent from last year.  Considering the very small, 2.5 percent market share held by Carbonated water in the overall bottled water sales, sparkling water is likely to continue  strong sales growth in the coming year.  Marketers point out that the westernized diet of Koreans is the key driving force behind the growth of carbonated water sales in Korea.

Wheat Flour is not a Cause of Carbohydrate Addiction … But Gluten Could have Harmful Effect to Certain People, Korea Flour Mill Industry Association Seminar [Korean, OSY]

http://www.foodnews.co.kr/news/articleView.html?idxno=47607

Summary: A seminar by Korea Flour Mill Industry Association (KORMIA) on October 25 covered the subject of ‘health risk of wheat flour’.  Doctor WJ Kim explained that wheat flour is not a cause for carbohydrate addiction assumed by the general public.  Doctor Kim pointed out, however that gluten protein in wheat flour has reportedly been associated with various health risks including Celiac disease (digestion disorder) for certain people who have problem digesting gluten.  Doctor Kim stressed that such population is very small, one every 70-300 people.