Packaging, labeling gaps found in online camping foods, consumer agency says

Some camping food products sold online have inadequate packaging or labeling, a consumer watchdog said Tuesday.

The Korea Consumer Agency on Tuesday released the results of a probe into the safety, storage and retail conditions, and labeling and advertising practices of 28 outdoor food products sold online, including chicken skewers, skewered fries, marshmallows and grilling cheese.

None of the 28 products tested positive for foodborne pathogens. Harmful substances including benzopyrene, acrylamide and heavy metals all met applicable standards.

However, some products showed damaged or deformed packaging. Damaged food packaging can allow foreign matter to enter or expose contents to contamination. Four of the 28 products had their packaging pierced by skewers during transport and packing; two others arrived with deformed packaging.

Six products required labeling improvements. One product marketed as "preservative-free" was found to contain sorbic acid, a preservative. Three products contained allergens such as wheat and soy but carried no allergen warnings. One product contained less than its labeled net weight, and three products had insufficient labeling for the distributor's contact information and the required notice for reporting substandard food.

To prevent food spoilage from packaging damage during delivery, the Korea Consumer Agency said it plans to work with relevant businesses and a regular industry consultative body to develop and distribute safety packaging guidelines for products at risk of damage in transit.