‘1군 발암물질’에 담근 배추 중국서 적발…수출 여부 확인 안 돼

A recent discovery in a Chinese rural area has raised concerns over the use of formaldehyde as a preservative in cabbage, which may have potential implications for its export. Chinese authorities are now conducting a nationwide special inspection to examine the extent of this issue. According to 24th October reports from China's National Market Supervision Bureau, an investigation was initiated into the use of formaldehyde solution during the cabbage trading process in Hebei's Jiaozuo county.

The investigation focuses on tracking the cabbage's distribution and implementing special sampling and market checks nationwide. The incident came to light when a TikTok account named 'Wuyechi' posted a video showing workers spraying formaldehyde solution on cabbage before loading it onto a truck, which was then sealed with a label reading "Formaldehyde Solution."

The traders claimed that this method can preserve the cabbage's freshness for 2 to 3 days longer. Following the public outcry, the county government confirmed the authenticity of the video, stating that the farmers committed illegal acts in an attempt to maintain the cabbage's freshness during transportation. The government also announced that the relevant authorities had taken strict measures against the involved parties and the vehicles.

Meanwhile, Beijing's largest agricultural wholesale market, Shandong Central Market, is also investigating the cabbage's distribution route. They have confirmed that the contaminated cabbage did not enter the market and that all currently sold cabbage has passed the inspection and carries a certification. However, the specific distribution range of the contaminated cabbage within China or its export status to other countries, such as South Korea, remains unknown.

The truck carrying the cabbage in question bears a Chinese license plate ANWHIX, suggesting that the formaldehyde-treated cabbage could have been distributed throughout the country. Formaldehyde, also known as "formaline," is classified as a Group 1 carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) and is banned for use in food production in China due to food safety laws.