Chinese authorities have launched a nationwide investigation into the illegal use of formaldehyde to preserve cabbages, following an undercover video that exposed wholesalers dipping the vegetables in the chemical before loading them for transport.
The incident, which has triggered widespread public concern and swift regulatory action, has prompted the National Food Safety Office, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, and the State Administration for Market Regulation to issue a joint directive for a comprehensive crackdown .
The Incident: A Hidden Practice Exposed
The scandal came to light when an environmental blogger released footage in late August showing individuals in Kangbao County, Zhangjiakou Municipality in Hebei Province, dipping cabbages into a solution before transporting them . Local authorities confirmed on August 22 that the footage was genuine and that a preliminary investigation had identified the practice as an attempt by a wholesaler to preserve the vegetables during transit .
Police have since taken “compulsory legal measures” against the individuals involved, detaining them and seizing the relevant vehicles as the case moves forward . The incident has been described by state media as “extremely serious and utterly absurd,” with the People’s Daily editorial condemning the wholesalers for “focusing solely on their immediate economic interests while completely disregarding the lives and health of consumers” .
National Response and Verification
The central government’s response has been swift and decisive. The State Council’s Food Safety Office, along with the agricultural and market regulation ministries, have directed local authorities nationwide to immediately conduct special inspections and market screenings of cabbage and other perishable vegetables . Officials are working to trace the distribution of the affected cabbages and prevent contaminated products from reaching consumers .
Local governments across the country have already begun their verification processes:
· Beijing: Officials in Fengtai District confirmed that none of the affected cabbages from Kangbao County had entered the Xinfadi wholesale market, one of the capital’s largest produce sources .
· Hefei, Anhui: The market supervision bureau has intensified inspections on cabbages transported from Hebei, with results pending .
· Suqian, Jiangsu: The China-Agri Products Market conducted two rapid tests on cabbages from Kangbao County, which came back negative for formaldehyde .
The Legal Prohibition
The use of formaldehyde in food is strictly prohibited under Chinese law. The Food Safety Law prohibits the use of non-food raw materials or the addition of chemicals not approved as food additives, and formaldehyde is explicitly listed on the national list of non-food substances that are forbidden in food production . The Law on Quality and Safety of Agricultural Products further prohibits the use of harmful substances in the preservation, storage, and transportation of agricultural goods .
Experts have emphasized that cabbages do not require formaldehyde under normal conditions, particularly with proper cold-chain transportation and short-distance logistics . “In regular cold-chain and short-distance transport, cabbages have no need for formaldehyde preservation,” said Jin Maojun, a researcher at the Institute of Agricultural Quality Standards and Testing Technology .
Health Implications
Formaldehyde is classified as a Group 1 carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) and is known to cause cancer in humans . While exposure to relatively high quantities has been linked to certain cancers, the effects of small amounts are less clear . However, consumption of large quantities can lead to acute poisoning, with symptoms including abdominal pain, vomiting, and in severe cases, coma or kidney damage .
Food safety experts have cautioned that the chronic danger of low-level formaldehyde exposure is primarily through inhalation rather than ingestion . The formaldehyde used on the cabbages is water-soluble, and the practice typically targets the root portion of the vegetable, which is often discarded before consumption .
Consumer Guidance and Market Impact
In response to public anxiety, nutrition experts have offered practical advice for consumers:
· Smell test: Cabbages with an unusually pungent or sharp odor should be discarded .
· Cutting the root: Since formaldehyde is typically applied to the root, consumers are advised to cut off the root portion entirely .
· Thorough washing: Rinsing with running water multiple times is recommended, as formaldehyde is water-soluble .
· Cooking thoroughly: Heat helps remove formaldehyde residue, so proper cooking is advised .
Industry Context
China produces well over 30 million tonnes of cabbages annually, accounting for nearly half of the world’s supply . The country is also a major exporter, shipping approximately 1 million tonnes in 2024 with a value of around $500 million . Vietnam is the largest destination, followed by Thailand, Malaysia, and Hong Kong SAR .
The current incident highlights the ongoing challenges in regulating the vast agricultural supply chain in China. The government’s decision to launch a nationwide investigation and verification of similar practices reflects an aggressive approach to maintaining food safety standards and public confidence in the vegetable supply. The investigation’s findings will be crucial in determining the extent of the problem and whether further regulatory measures are needed to prevent future violations.
