Eating out with pets is now institutionalized...with increased hygiene and safety standards
Dogs and cats will be allowed to dine with their owners at restaurants in Korea from 2025. The change comes after the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) proposed a partial amendment to the Enforcement Rules of the Food Hygiene Act, establishing hygiene and safety management standards for restaurants with pets157.
The amendments are based on the results of a two-year regulatory sandbox pilot project that resulted in improved hygiene and safety standards and increased industry and consumer satisfaction. However, they will only apply to establishments that comply with the facility standards and wish to allow pets, not all restaurants157.
Animals allowed are limited to vaccinated dogs and cats, and unvaccinated animals are excluded157. Establishments must install barriers, fences, and other safeguards to keep pets out of food-handling areas, such as the kitchen and food storage areas158. They must also post a “pets allowed” sign at the entrance of the establishment and provide sanitation facilities, such as hand sanitizers1216.
To minimize contact between customers and animals, special chairs for pets, leash attachments, and sufficient table spacing are also required7. When displaying food, lids or covers should be used to prevent foreign objects, such as animal hair, from entering the food, and animal dishes should be stored and used separately from regular dishes15.
Violations of the hygiene and safety management standards will result in administrative penalties, including suspension of business, and the revisions are open for public comment until June 5157. The KFDA expects the system to contribute to everyday life with pets, consumer choice, and related industry development1.
Starting in 2025, diners will be able to dine with their dogs and cats at restaurants that meet the facility standards157.
The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety has proposed amendments to the Enforcement Rules of the Food Hygiene Act to establish hygiene and safety management standards for pet-friendly restaurants157.
Positive effects such as improved hygiene and safety standards and increased consumer satisfaction were confirmed through a pilot project for about two years57.
Highlights of the amendment
Restricted pets to vaccinated dogs and cats157.
Applies to only those establishments that are willing and able to comply with the facility standards, not all restaurants157.
Pets are prohibited in food-handling facilities such as kitchens and food warehouses, and must be partitioned or fenced off158.
Signage and hygiene devices, such as “pets allowed” signs at entrances and hand sanitizing devices, are required1216.
Minimize customer-animal contact by providing special chairs for pets, leash attachments, notices, and sufficient table spacing7.
Use lids and other devices to prevent foreign objects from entering the food display for hygiene management, and store separate dishes for animals15.
Administrative penalties such as suspension of business in case of violation157.
The amendments can be found on KFDA's website, and comments can be submitted until June 5th5.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1. Are pets allowed in all restaurants?
No. It only applies to restaurants that meet the facility standards and wish to allow pets157.
Q2. What animals are allowed in restaurants?
Only vaccinated dogs and cats are allowed. Unvaccinated animals are not allowed157.
Q3. Where are pets allowed in the restaurant?
Pets are not allowed in food handling facilities such as kitchens and pantries, and must be separated by a partition or fence1516.
Q4. How do you manage sanitation?
Lids or covers must be used when displaying food to prevent foreign objects such as fur from entering the food, and animal utensils must be used separately. Installing hand sanitizing devices is also mandatory1516.
Q5. What are the penalties for violations?
Violations of hygiene and safety management standards may result in administrative penalties, including suspension of business157.
#animalwelfare #foodsanitation #foodsanitationlaw #environmentalsafety #animalwelfare
댓글
댓글 쓰기