China Investigates Illegal Use of Formaldehyde to Preserve Cabbage
Chinese authorities have ordered investigations and market inspections after officials in Hebei Province confirmed the illegal use of formaldehyde solution to preserve cabbage during transportation.
First reported by Chinese media outlet The Global Times, the State Council Food Safety Commission Office, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, and State Administration for Market Regulation instructed local authorities to investigate the incident, trace the distribution of affected cabbage, and prevent implicated products from entering the market.
Authorities nationwide were also directed to conduct targeted sampling and market inspections of perishable vegetables, including cabbage.
Illegal Formaldehyde Use Confirmed in Hebei Province
The investigation followed an online video posted on August 22, 2026, which reportedly showed cabbage being dipped in formaldehyde solution before transportation in Kangbao County, Zhangjiakou, Hebei Province.
According to Global Times, the video’s creator claimed that several batches of cabbage selected for inspection in Kangbao County had been treated with formaldehyde solution to preserve freshness before being loaded onto trucks.
In response to the video, local agriculture and rural affairs, market regulation, and public security authorities conducted an onsite investigation. A preliminary investigation confirmed the practices depicted in the video, with authorities determining that a wholesaler had illegally used formaldehyde during the loading and transportation of vegetables to preserve freshness.
Public security authorities took compulsory legal measures against the individuals and vehicles involved, and the case remains under investigation.
Looking for quick answers on food safety topics?
Try Ask FSM, our new smart AI search tool.
Ask FSM →
Authorities were also tracing the distribution and destination of the affected cabbage. Kangbao County launched a broader inspection of vegetable purchasing, transportation, and sales activities to identify similar violations.
China Orders Nationwide Inspections of Perishable Vegetables
Following confirmation of the incident, national authorities directed local governments to conduct special sampling and market inspections targeting perishable vegetables such as cabbage, with enforcement action to be taken against identified violations.
China’s laws on food safety and agricultural product quality and safety require freshness-preserving agents, preservatives, and other substances used during the packaging, preservation, storage, and transportation of agricultural products to comply with national food safety standards. According to Global Times, formaldehyde is prohibited from being added or used for this purpose.
The investigation remained ongoing, with authorities continuing to trace affected cabbage and inspect vegetable purchasing, transportation, and sales activities.
