SFA steps up checks of cabbage from China after reports of formaldehyde use
This comes after South Korea has also stepped up checks of cabbage arriving from China.
The Singapore Food Agency (SFA) is intensifying its monitoring and testing of cabbage following reports that Chinese sellers have been using formaldehyde in the vegetables. On September 1, the agency acknowledged the allegations and disclosed that it is closely monitoring the situation and increasing its surveillance and testing of cabbages as part of its food safety program.
This move follows South Korea's decision to intensify its own checks of cabbage shipments from China. In response to widespread online videos showing cabbage being submerged in formaldehyde—a substance commonly used in morgues for preserving dead bodies—to prolong its shelf life, China initiated spot checks and market inspections.
The controversy erupted after footage surfaced online depicting workers in Kangbao county, Hebei province, dipping cabbage roots in liquid before loading the vegetables onto trucks. Local authorities confirmed the use of formaldehyde during the purchasing and transportation process, according to reports from Chinese and South Korean media.
Written by urgent.news from Straits Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
