SEOUL, South Korea– A popular instant meal, "Lee Yeon-bok's Bokjumoni Hanwoo Ugeoji Gukbap" (Beef Brisket and Bracken Soup), sold under celebrity Chef Lee Yeon-bok's brand "The Mokran," has been ordered off shelves following the detection of E. coli levels exceeding safety standards. The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) issued a recall for the contaminated product, urging consumers to cease consumption and return the affected items.

The recall specifically targets products with a "Best Before" date of July 7, 2026, and a barcode number of 8809990861903. These products were manufactured by Nolda Food, a food processing company located in Namyangju, Gyeonggi Province, and distributed by The Mokran.

The MFDS announced its findings on July 15, confirming that the instant soup failed to meet bacterial and E. coli standards during routine quality control checks. This swift action by the regulatory body underscores the stringent food safety measures in place to protect public health.

E. coli, or Escherichia coli, is a bacterium commonly found in the intestines of humans and animals. While most strains are harmless, some can cause severe foodborne illness, leading to symptoms such as abdominal cramps, severe diarrhea (often bloody), nausea, and vomiting. In vulnerable populations, such as young children, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems, E. coli infections can lead to serious complications like hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a type of kidney failure that can be life-threatening.

Local authorities, including the Namyangju City Hall, are actively involved in the recall process, working to ensure all affected products are removed from circulation. Retailers currently stocking the "Lee Yeon-bok's Bokjumoni Hanwoo Ugeoji Gukbap" are instructed to immediately halt sales and return their inventory to the supplier. Consumers who have purchased the product are advised not to consume it and to return it to the place of purchase for a refund.

This incident highlights the continuous challenge of maintaining food safety in the rapidly expanding market for convenience foods. Food manufacturers are responsible for adhering to strict hygiene protocols and quality control measures throughout the production process to prevent microbial contamination. Consumers are also reminded to pay close attention to product labels, including "Best Before" dates and recall notices, to ensure their safety.

The MFDS continues to monitor the situation and has indicated it will take appropriate follow-up actions to prevent similar incidents in the future. Further details regarding the investigation into the source of the E. coli contamination are expected to be released as they become available.