South KoreaI found a foreign object in my delivered food. Can I get?
Yes, you may be entitled to compensation under South Korea’s Food Sanitation Act and Civil Act if a foreign object in delivered food caused harm or violated safety standards.
What the Law Says
South Korean law holds food businesses strictly responsible for the safety of their products — including delivered meals. If a foreign object is found, it may trigger administrative penalties, criminal liability, and civil compensation obligations.
Under the Food Sanitation Act, food business operators must ensure that food is free from harmful foreign substances. A foreign object (e.g., metal, plastic, insect) in delivered food violates this duty and may constitute a 'hazardous substance' under the law.
The Civil Act provides a legal basis for claiming damages: anyone who causes harm through unlawful acts — including supplying unsafe food — is liable for compensation under Article 752.
Penalties for violations are severe: the Food Sanitation Act authorizes fines up to ₩30 million and imprisonment up to 10 years for serious breaches involving health risks.
Statutory TextNo person shall manufacture, process, cook, package, store, transport, import, or sell food containing hazardous substances.
— Food Sanitation Act, s. 33 — Prohibition of Hazardous Substances
Statutory TextA person who causes loss or damage to another person by an unlawful act shall compensate for such loss or damage.
— Civil Act, s. 752 — Liability for Unlawful Acts
What to Do
Keep the food, packaging, and delivery receipt as evidence.
Report the incident to the local Food and Drug Administration (MFDS) via 1339 or online at mfds.go.kr.
Contact the restaurant or delivery platform to request compensation (e.g., refund, medical coverage if injured).
If harmed physically or financially, consult a lawyer to file a civil claim under Civil Act Article 752.
Sources
Not legal advice. This article is general information based on publicly available sources, written for educational purposes. Laws change and individual situations vary. Consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction before acting on anything you read here. Last reviewed: 2026-06-08.