Sulfur-Fumigated Bamboo Shoots Spark Controversy Following Cabbage and Stem Lettuce Scandals in China

Following a controversy in China over the production of bamboo shoots treated with sulfur fumigation, the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety announced that Chinese bamboo shoots have not been imported into South Korea.

Previously, several media outlets reported that authorities in China launched an investigation after it was confirmed that bamboo shoots were processed using sulfur fumigation in some regions of China.

In response to these reports, the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety explained in a statement released today (September 20) that Chinese bamboo shoots have not been imported into the country in the form of agricultural products.

However, some processed Chinese bamboo shoot products, such as canned goods, are being imported.

The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety has been conducting sulfur dioxide inspections on processed foods during the customs clearance stage, and in addition, decided to implement supplementary manufacturer-by-manufacturer inspections for processed bamboo shoot products for a certain period.

Previously, local Chinese media and other outlets reported that formaldehyde, a Group 1 carcinogen, was used on cabbages and food coloring was used on stem lettuces in certain regions of China, causing widespread repercussions.

In response, the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety strengthened inspections at customs clearance and confirmed through the South Korean Embassy in China that the problematic cabbages and stem lettuces were not distributed domestically.

(Photo: Provided by Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.