World News

Chinese authorities investigate use of formaldehyde to preserve cabbages

Officials conduct nationwide market checks and pursue legal action after footage showed cabbages being dipped in a chemical solution.

Updated Aug 24, 2026 · 12:55 UTC6 reports

The short version

Chinese authorities launched an investigation in Hebei province after viral video showed cabbages being treated with a formaldehyde solution prior to transport.
Police have taken legal action against those involved, while officials initiate nationwide spot checks to trace affected produce and prevent market panic.
Using formaldehyde for food preservation is strictly prohibited under Chinese law due to its health risks as a known carcinogen.
Major distributors like Beijing's Xinfadi market report that none of the affected produce entered their facilities.

Authorities in Hebei province launched an investigation after verifying footage published by an environmental blogger showing workers dipping cabbages in a solution before loading them onto trucks.[BBC News]
Police have taken legal action against the individuals involved in the incident.[BBC News]
Formaldehyde is a cancer-causing chemical, and using it to preserve food is strictly forbidden in China.[BBC News]
Inspectors are conducting nationwide spot checks at markets to assess how widespread the preservation practice is and trace contaminated vegetables.[BBC News]
Beijing's Xinfadi market confirmed through its own source investigation that no affected cabbages entered its supply.[BBC News]
China produces more than 30 million tons of cabbage annually—nearly half the global total—and exports large quantities to countries including Vietnam, South Korea, and Russia.[BBC News]

The full scope and geographic extent of the illegal cabbage treatment remain unknown as nationwide market inspections continue.[BBC News]