Controversy Over 'Sulfur-Fumigated Bamboo Shoots' in China: MFDS Says No Such Agricultural Products Imported

Following a controversy over the production of sulfur-fumigated bamboo shoots in China, the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) announced that Chinese bamboo shoots have not been imported.

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

Regarding these reports, the MFDS explained in a statement released today (September 20) that "Chinese bamboo shoots have not been imported into South Korea in the form of agricultural products."

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

The MFDS has been conducting sulfur dioxide tests on processed foods during clearance-stage inspections, and in addition, decided to implement supplementary manufacturer-by-manufacturer testing 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 in some parts of China, and food coloring was used on stem lettuce, creating significant repercussions.

In response, the MFDS strengthened clearance-stage inspections and confirmed through the South Korean Embassy in China that the problematic cabbages and stem lettuce had not been distributed domestically.

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