Shocking Video Stirs Outrage in China: Cabbages Dipped in Mystery Basin

Authorities in China have launched an investigation after it was revealed that formaldehyde, a known carcinogen, was used to keep cabbages fresh in a rural area.

According to Chinese media outlets such as Jimu News and澎湃 (The Paper) on the 23rd, authorities in Kangbao County, Zhangjiakou, Hebei Province, stated that allegations regarding the use of a formaldehyde solution during local cabbage procurement processes were confirmed to be true following an investigation.

Authorities explained that the illegal act involved cabbage buyers using a formaldehyde solution during the loading process to maintain the freshness of the cabbages while in transit.

Local public security organs have taken coercive measures against the individuals involved and the vehicles in question, and are conducting further investigations.

In addition, authorities are urgently tracing the distribution routes of the problematic cabbages while initiating a comprehensive probe into the entire process of vegetable procurement, transportation, and sales across Kangbao County.

As of now, it has not been confirmed whether the problematic cabbages were exported overseas, including to South Korea, and the specific scope of their distribution within China has yet to be determined.

Formaldehyde is a colorless, highly pungent chemical substance, and its aqueous solution is commonly referred to as formalin.

The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), an arm of the World Health Organization (WHO), classifies formaldehyde as a Group 1 carcinogen, meaning there is sufficient evidence that it causes cancer in humans.

China also strictly prohibits the production, sale, and use of formaldehyde as a food processing aid through laws such as the Food Safety Law and the Agricultural Product Quality Safety Law.

This incident came to light after an internet blogger released a video recording a cabbage procurement site in Kangbao County.

The blogger claimed to have checked multiple cabbage transport vehicles at the site and witnessed operations where a formaldehyde solution was applied to cabbages to maintain their freshness before loading them onto trucks.

The released video shows workers lifting cabbages one by one, dipping their root parts into a basin containing a liquid presumed to be formaldehyde, removing them, and then loading them onto freight trucks.

An on-site official explained that treating cabbages in this manner allows them to remain fresh for an additional two to three days.

A container labeled "formaldehyde solution" was also discovered next to a freight truck.

Authorities in Kangbao County stated that they are investigating whether similar illegal practices occurred throughout the entire process from vegetable procurement to transportation and sales, and vowed to strictly punish any illegal acts in accordance with the law.
 
(Photo: Capture from Chinese internet blogger video, Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.