China Probes Use of Formaldehyde to Keep Cabbages Fresh
BBC News
Authorities Investigate Formaldehyde Use in Cabbage Preservation
Authorities in China have launched an investigation into reports of formaldehyde being used to preserve cabbages for human consumption.
Officials in the northeastern Hebei province confirmed the verification of footage showing individuals dipping cabbages in a solution before loading them onto trucks.
An environmental blogger first released the footage last week, revealing the use of formaldehyde—a known carcinogen—to preserve food in China, which is strictly prohibited.
China's Cabbage Production and Export
China is the world’s largest producer of cabbages, exporting most to neighboring Asian countries. Police have taken legal action against those involved, according to state media reports.
Official Response and Measures
Officials are swiftly conducting spot checks across markets nationwide to prevent panic and restore confidence. A statement from local authorities in Kangbao county pledged strict punishment for any illegal practices discovered.
Xinfadi market in Beijing, a major source of fresh produce, stated that it had investigated its cabbages' sources, confirming none had entered their market.
Media and Public Reaction
The incident has garnered significant media attention in China, with an editorial from People's Daily criticizing the wholesalers' actions as disregardful of consumer health and safety.
China produces over 30 million tons of cabbages annually, nearly half of the global total, exported to countries like Vietnam, South Korea, and Russia.
Health Concerns
While exposure to high levels of formaldehyde in work settings has been linked to cancer, the effects of low-level exposure are less clear, according to the American Cancer Society.