This study was conducted to approach the Korean new food words for the years 1994-2005 from the stance of food ethics. The new food words were categorized into food industry, foodstuffs, cooking, various foods, processed foods, distribution, and consumer health. The principles of food ethics applied to new food words include a respect for life, justice, environmental preservation, priority of safety, and dynamic equilibrium. Seventy percent of new food words were ethically neutral, while 30% had significant ethical meaning. There were more words with a negative ethical meaning than with a positive one. All of the principles, except respect for life, could be successfully applied to new food words. Dynamic equilibrium was the most appropriate principle for the new food words, followed by a priority for safety, justice, and environmental preservation. The results of this study implied that moderation and balance is required in our modern dietary life.

• 김석신 | Kim, Suk Shin