[Sportschosun reporter Jang Jong-ho] A shocking case has emerged in China after it was revealed that formaldehyde, a Group 1 carcinogen, was used to keep cabbage fresh during transportation. Local authorities have launched an investigation into those involved, traced the distribution route of the affected cabbage, and begun special inspections of perishable vegetables nationwide.
According to Chinese media outlets, including The Paper, the case came to light after a video filmed in Kangbao County, Zhangjiakou, Hebei Province, spread online.
The video appears to show cabbage being soaked in a formaldehyde solution before transportation.
In a notice released on the 22nd, the Kangbao County government said it had investigated online claims about the use of a formaldehyde solution during the cabbage procurement process and confirmed that the video was authentic.
According to local authorities, the formaldehyde solution was used to preserve freshness during transport, and the act was identified as an illegal practice committed by a buyer while loading the cabbage.
Immediately after confirming the case, authorities mobilized departments including agriculture and rural affairs, market supervision, and public security to conduct an on-site investigation.
Police have already taken compulsory measures against the people involved and the vehicle in accordance with the law, while investigating the details of the case and where responsibility lies.
An urgent trace is also under way to determine whether the cabbage in question may already have been transported to other regions. Authorities are focusing their investigation on identifying the distribution route and preventing it from entering the market.
So far, it has not been confirmed whether the cabbage was exported overseas, including to South Korea.
Meanwhile, formaldehyde is a chemical with strong disinfectant and preservative properties. It is used for various purposes in industrial settings, but it is not permitted for preserving food. In particular, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified formaldehyde as a substance that may cause cancer in humans, so illegal use in food could raise even greater safety concerns.
Jang Jong-ho, bellho@sportschosun.com
This article has been translated by GripLabs Mingo AI.
