Chinese Napa cabbage and kimchi are finely ground, placed into experimental containers, and analyzed.

Recently, as public anxiety has grown following reports that some regions in China used formaldehyde, a Group 1 carcinogen, to maintain the freshness of Napa cabbage, the Seoul Metropolitan Government has launched a special inspection.

Previously, the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety investigated 82 cases of Chinese Napa cabbage, kimchi, and salted Napa cabbage currently distributed domestically, and no formaldehyde was detected. However, the Seoul government stated that it would directly verify safety to alleviate public anxiety.

The Seoul Metropolitan Government decided to inspect the entire process from entry into wholesale markets to reaching restaurant dining tables, and to make the inspection results public.

First, inspections will be conducted targeting 9,500 locations, including kimchi manufacturing companies, side dish stores, traditional markets, and restaurants, through September 30.

In addition, Chinese kimchi sold online and offline, as well as Chinese Napa cabbage brought into wholesale markets such as Garak Market, will be collected and directly tested by the Seoul Metropolitan Institute of Public Health and Environment, with the test results to be released every month.

The Seoul government estimated that 5,094 tons of packaged Chinese Napa cabbage kimchi were imported through 65 importers nationwide during the month of August.

Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon, who directly inspected the analysis process for Chinese Napa cabbage and kimchi, stated that the city will make every effort to protect an environment where citizens can safely consume food without anxiety about their diet.

[Oh Se-hoon / Mayor of Seoul: As you can see now, through thorough scientific inspections, we will strengthen regular inspections so that citizens can secure peace of mind regarding their food.]

The Seoul government plans to immediately impose fines, file complaints, and block distribution if products with potential risks or violations are confirmed.

Reported by Yun Nara | Video by Kim Heung-ki | Video Editing by Choi Hye-young | Produced by SBS Digital News