Authorities in China have launched an investigation into reports of formaldehyde being used to preserve the freshness of cabbages for human consumption.
Officials in Hebei province confirmed that they had verified footage showing individuals dipping cabbages in a solution before loading them onto trucks for transportation.
An environmental blogger released the footage last week, drawing attention to the use of formaldehyde—a colourless chemical known to cause cancer—for preserving food, a practice strictly prohibited in China.
China is the world's largest producer of cabbages, with over 30 million tonnes each year, and the produce is exported to neighbouring Asian markets.
Police have taken legal action against the culprits, and authorities are conducting spot checks across markets nationwide to restore consumer confidence.
State media announced investigators will determine how widespread the practice is and will trace affected vegetables.
Kangbao County officials said in a statement that any illegal practice will be dealt with strictly in accordance with the law to safeguard the vegetable supply.
Xinfadi market in Beijing confirmed that none of the affected cabbages entered its premises after investigation.
The incident has spurred widespread media coverage, and the People's Daily editorial castigated wholesalers for neglecting consumer safety and breaching legal and moral lines.
Exposure to high levels of formaldehyde in the workplace has been linked to certain cancers, though the impact of low‑dose exposure remains less clear.
