Lee Yeon-bok bowed to detection of excess E. coli in rice soup full responsibility

By Wooju, Lee

Jul 16, 2025

Lee Yeon-bok bowed to detection of excess E. coli in rice soup full responsibility



Chef Lee Yeon-bok apologized for exceeding the standard level of E. coli in his rice soup meal kit named after him.

Lee Yeon-bok said on the 16th, `I sincerely apologize for the bad news' and was suspended from sales by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety because the E. coli level of Lee Yeon-bok's recently sold online products 'Korean Beef Rice Soup' exceeded the standard," he bowed his head.

"I deeply apologize for the disappointment and inconvenience caused to customers who trusted me and purchased the product regardless of the reason," Lee Yeon-bok said. "We have completed sales and production suspension measures so that all of the products will not be distributed in the future." In addition, for customers who purchased Lee Yeon-bok's 'Korean Beef Rice Soup' product, we will promptly proceed with refunds and necessary measures through the place of purchase" he said.




Lee Yeon-bok bowed to detection of excess E. coli in rice soup full responsibility
We will take full responsibility for this matter and do our best to respond to it. We sincerely apologize once again, and we will continue to act responsibly until the end so that we can restore trust," he repeatedly lowered his head.

The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (hereinafter referred to as the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety) announced on the 16th that the rice soup meal kit product named Lee Yeon-bok was judged to be non-compliant with bacterial water and E. coli standards and will stop selling and recover it. The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety requested Namyangju City to stop the sale of the product and is collecting it. It also urged consumers who purchased the product to stop eating it and return it to the place of purchase.

▶ The following is the full text of Lee Yeon-bok's apology




Hello, I'm Lee Yeonbok.

First of all, I sincerely apologize for the bad news.

Recently, Lee Yeon-bok's 'Korean Beef Rice Soup' product sold online has been suspended by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety due to E. coli levels exceeding the standard.




Regardless of the reason, I deeply apologize for the disappointment and inconvenience to customers who trusted me and purchased the product.

We have completed sales and production suspension measures not only to dispose of all the products but also to prevent them from being distributed in the future. In addition, for customers who purchased Lee Yeon-bok's 'Korean Beef Rice Soup', we will promptly proceed with a refund through the place of purchase and necessary measures. We will take full responsibility for this issue and do our best to respond.

Once again, I sincerely apologize, and I will be responsible until the end so that I can restore trust.



wjlee@sportschosun.com