Science & Tech · Big Tech & Internet · 1 hr ago
South Korea tests app to check imported foods for restricted ingredients
South Korea’s food safety agency is testing a new app for people who buy food from overseas.
The public test runs from October 15 to 21, before the service officially launches.
Users can upload a product photo to check import restrictions, including whether the food is on a list of products blocked from entering South Korea.
The app is being developed as part of a government effort to use artificial intelligence in public services.
The check could help shoppers identify products that cannot be brought into the country.
The agency plans to use public feedback and launch in late November.
South Korea’s Ministry of Food and Drug Safety is holding a public test of a web app that checks whether imported foods contain restricted ingredients.
The test runs from October 15 to 21, ahead of the app’s official launch.
Users can upload a photo of a product to check whether it is subject to restrictions on bringing it into South Korea.
The ministry plans to use feedback from the test and launch the service in late November.
- Who
- South Korea’s Ministry of Food and Drug Safety.
- What
- It is testing a web app that checks imported foods for restricted ingredients and whether products are barred from entry.
- When
- The public test runs from October 15 to 21, 2026. The official service is planned for late November.
- Where
- South Korea; the app is for checking products bought overseas. The test’s location is not stated.
- Why
- To gather public feedback before the official service begins.
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The ministry is holding a public test of the app to gather feedback ahead of its launch.
The ministry plans to begin the official service, taking the test results into account.
- Test period
- October 15–21, 2026
- App function
- Users can upload a product photo to check whether it is subject to restrictions on entry into South Korea
- Responsible agency
- South Korea’s Ministry of Food and Drug Safety
- Planned launch
- Late November 2026