A recent inspection of health functional foods sold in Chungcheongbuk-do province revealed that 163 out of 164 products were deemed unsuitable for consumption, according to the Chungbuk Health and Environment Research Institute.
The institute, led by Director Im Heon-pyo, conducted the comprehensive assessment of products distributed throughout the province last year. The single product found to be acceptable was not identified in the initial report.
The Chungbuk Research Institute, an organization dedicated to policy research for the Chungcheongbuk-do region, has been involved in various studies aimed at improving the quality of life for residents. A recent project, documented as [B2025-25], focuses on improving the labor market for older adults in the province through comparative analysis of existing conditions and policies.
The Korea Health Environment Research Institute Co., Ltd., based in Eumseong, Chungbuk, was not directly involved in the inspection, but is a key player in the broader health research landscape of the region, according to business data from Dun & Bradstreet.
The Chungbuk Research Institute was initially established in 1999 as an affiliated institution of the Chungbuk Development Institute, with Tae-Ill Lee, Ph.D., serving as president from 2000 to 2002. The institute’s stated mission is to contribute to practical change and social benefit through policy research.
The Chungbuk Health and Environment Research Institute has not yet released details regarding the specific reasons for the unsuitability of the 163 products, nor has it indicated what actions will be taken in response to the findings.
