Is my kimchi safe? China formaldehyde cabbage scandal puts Korea on alert
Chinese authorities have launched a nationwide food safety inspection after cabbage sellers in northern China were found using formaldehyde solution to keep the vegetables fresh, prompting Korea to strengthen inspections of Chinese cabbage imports. Formaldehyde is classified as a Group 1 carcinogen. China's State Administration for Market Regulation said Sunday that it had instructed local…
Chinese authorities have initiated a comprehensive food safety inspection across the country following the discovery of Chinese cabbage sellers in northern China using formaldehyde solution to preserve the vegetables' freshness, prompting Korea to intensify its scrutiny of Chinese cabbage imports. Formaldehyde is classified as a Group 1 carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer.
The State Administration for Market Regulation announced on Monday that it has directed local authorities to investigate and promptly address the misuse of formaldehyde solution in Kangbao County, Zhangjiakou, within Hebei Province, according to China's state-run Xinhua News Agency.
In response to the scandal, the administration, alongside the Food Safety Office of the State Council and the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, has tasked authorities with tracing the distribution channels of the contaminated cabbage to prevent its entry into the market. Moreover, authorities are mandated to conduct targeted sampling inspections and market checks nationwide, focusing on cabbage and other vegetables susceptible to spoilage.
The issue emerged after a video posted on Douyin, China's version of TikTok, showcased a scene at a cabbage market.
Written by urgent.news from The Korea Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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