South Korea steps up checks as China probes formaldehyde-tainted cabbages
A viral video showing cabbages being dipped in a formaldehyde solution in northern China to preserve freshness has triggered nationwide inspections and regional concern.
A viral video exposing Chinese cabbage imports being dipped in formaldehyde to preserve freshness has prompted South Korea to intensify inspections of Chinese cabbage imports. The scandal originated from a video posted by Chinese environmental blogger Qige on social media, showing workers in Hebei province dipping cabbages in a formaldehyde solution before transporting them.
Formaldehyde, a carcinogen, is illegal for use in food processing in China. South Korea began heightened inspections of Chinese napa cabbage imports on Monday, testing eight batches and finding no formaldehyde. The South Korean Ministry of Food and Drug Safety is also checking if any implicated cabbages reached South Korea and testing kimchi and pickled products made with Chinese napa cabbage.
Taiwan has assured consumers that no Chinese cabbages have been imported from China, and no kimchi or other products made with tainted cabbage have been imported from South Korea. The scandal has prompted a nationwide spot-check and market inspection of perishable vegetables in China.
Written by urgent.news from Channel News Asia's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
