Korea steps up checks on Chinese cabbage, kimchi amid formaldehyde scare
Korean authorities have intensified safety checks on imported Chinese cabbage and kimchi — staples of Korean cuisine — after a Chinese supplier was found to have used formaldehyde, a known human carcinogen, to extend the shelf life of harvested cabbages. Central and local authorities say they have strengthened inspections at ports of entry while expanding testing for the chemical and other…
Korean authorities have ramped up safety inspections on imported Chinese cabbage and kimchi, after a Chinese supplier was discovered to have used formaldehyde in the cabbage to prolong its shelf life. Both central and local authorities have increased monitoring at ports of entry and expanded testing for formaldehyde, as well as other potentially harmful substances in food ingredients from China.
Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon visited the city-run Seoul Research Institute of Public Health and Environment on Monday to observe the testing process, which includes preparing samples and conducting detailed laboratory analysis. Mayor Oh expressed concern over the public's growing anxiety over Chinese food ingredients following the discovery.
He emphasized that the increased inspections will not only target formaldehyde but also check for exposure to heavy metals and artificial colors in Chinese food ingredients.
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.
