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Pulmuone Headquarters. (Photo courtesy of Pulmuone) |
[Alpha Biz= Kim Jisun] Foodmerce, a food distribution affiliate of South Korean food company Pulmuone, issued a statement on June 14 in response to recent media reports of a “salmonella outbreak,” clarifying that the situation does not constitute an ongoing infection spread.
The company explained that the two newly identified cases were linked to products consumed on May 15–16. "As soon as the issue was recognized, we halted all deliveries and voluntarily recalled and discarded all related products supplied to food service sites," a Foodmerce spokesperson said. "Given that the incubation period for salmonella has already passed—nearly one month—there is no cause for ongoing consumer concern."
According to Foodmerce, the two cases were not reported at the time but were identified later during a retrospective investigation conducted by health authorities. The investigation covered all Foodmerce customers who received the relevant product batch in May. The company emphasized that these are not new or spreading cases, but isolated symptomatic incidents from the past.
Foodmerce also addressed safety measures related to product processing. “Salmonella is typically associated with raw eggs, but it is known to be fully eliminated when heated to over 85°C. The eggs used in our product underwent heat treatment at over 143°C, ensuring microbiological safety,” the spokesperson added.
The company stated it is conducting a thorough investigation in cooperation with relevant authorities, exploring both product-related causes and the potential for cross-contamination at various stages.
Alphabiz Reporter Kim Jisun(stockmk2020@alphabiz.co.kr)
