Chef Lee Yeon-bok bowed his head over the issue of excessive E. coli levels in a product released under his name.
On the 16th, Lee Yeon-bok stated on his SNS, "I sincerely apologize for delivering bad news," and added, "Recently, the E. coli levels in Lee Yeon-bok's 'Hanwoo Ugeoji Gukbap' product sold online exceeded the standard, and I received a sales suspension order from the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety."
He continued, "Regardless of the reason, I deeply apologize for disappointing and inconveniencing customers who trusted and purchased the product."
Lee Yeon-bok stated, "The entire batch of the product has been disposed of, and we have completed the suspension of sales and production to ensure that it will not be distributed in the future," and assured that "customers who purchased the product will be promptly refunded and necessary actions will be taken through the place of purchase," taking full responsibility and promising to respond to the situation to the best of his ability.
On the 15th, the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety announced that it was recalling some products of 'Lee Yeon-bok's Bokjumeoni Hanwoo Ugeoji Gukbap' manufactured by 'Nolda Food', a food manufacturing and processing company located in Namyangju, Gyeonggi Province, and sold by the distribution outlet 'The Mokran'.
The recall targets products marked with a consumption date of 'until 2026. 07. 07', and the recall agency is Namyangju City Hall.
The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety urged consumers who purchased the product to stop consumption and return it to the place of purchase.
Below is the full statement from Chef Lee Yeon-bok.
Hello, this is Lee Yeon-bok.
First of all, I sincerely apologize for delivering bad news.
Recently, the E. coli levels in Lee Yeon-bok's 'Hanwoo Ugeoji Gukbap' product sold online exceeded the standard, and I received a sales suspension order from the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety.
Regardless of the reason, I deeply apologize for disappointing and inconveniencing customers who trusted and purchased the product.
The entire batch of the product has been disposed of, and we have completed the suspension of sales and production to ensure that it will not be distributed in the future. Additionally, we will promptly process refunds and necessary actions for customers who purchased Lee Yeon-bok's 'Hanwoo Ugeoji Gukbap' through the place of purchase. I take full responsibility for this matter and will do my best to respond.
Once again, I sincerely apologize and will take a responsible approach to restore trust.
Sincerely, Lee Yeon-bok
[Kim Mi-ji, Star Today Reporter]
