HiteJinro faces controversy over soju, beer quality

[Photo by Yonhap]

HiteJinro Co. is embroiled in a series of quality scandals, following consumer reports about an abnormal odor of its soju products and cloudiness of its beer.

The company announced recalls for specific products, including FiLite FRESH, and gave an apology.

HiteJinro Chief Executive Kim In-gyu issued an apology statement on Tuesday in response to consumer complaints received on March 13 and 25 about off-odor and cloudiness in 355ml cans of FiLite FRESH beer products manufactured at a plant in Gangwon Province.

“In response to reports, we issued a voluntary recall for products manufactured on April 3 and 17 while conducting a thorough inspection of the plant‘s production line as a preventive measure,” the company said.

The recall includes 355ml cans of FiLite FRESH produced at the Gangwon plant on March 13, 25, April 3, and 17.

Some consumers complained earlier about a white mucus-like substance floating in the product. HiteJinro explained that the foreign substance was lactic acid bacteria, which resulted from a temporary technical issue and proved harmless to consumers.

In response to an online post by a consumer who complained about an off-odor in soju and requested an inspection by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS), HiteJinro said that an internal inspection revealed no odor issue and that it has been awaiting results from the organization.