Seoul police uncover human fat, blood from cosmetic procedures dumped in sinks and toilets
The Seoul Metropolitan Government found that 25 plastic surgery and dermatology clinics broke medical waste rules. From January 2025 to July 2026, special investigators checked 120 medical sites and waste companies. They found 36 violations at the clinics.
In two serious cases, human fat and blood from cosmetic procedures were poured into sinks and toilets. Some clinics also put medical waste in regular trash bins with household garbage. This can create serious health and environmental risks.
Investigators also found problems with storing medical waste. Some clinics mixed human tissue waste with other medical waste and kept it at room temperature. Other clinics kept medical waste for three to six months longer than allowed. Human tissue waste, such as fat, should be stored in special containers at 4°C or lower.
The city investigated 25 people and sent their cases to prosecutors. Breaking medical waste rules can result in up to two years in prison or a fine of up to 20 million won. The investigation also showed that some doctors, nurses, and waste workers did not know enough about the correct disposal rules.
The Seoul government plans to provide better training and increase inspections. The problem is especially important because medical tourism is growing in Seoul. In 2025, about 1.76 million foreign patients received medical treatment in the city, a 75.6% increase from the previous year.
Edited using generative AI tools.
Source: https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/east-asia/seoul-police-uncover-human-fat-blood-from-cosmetic-procedures-dumped-in-sinks-and-toilets
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