Authorities in China have launched an investigation into reports of formaldehyde being used to preserve the freshness of cabbages for human consumption.
Officials in the northeastern Hebei province confirmed that they had verified footage showing individuals dipping cabbages in a solution before loading them onto trucks for transportation.
An environmental blogger first released the footage last week. Using formaldehyde, a colourless chemical that is known to cause cancer, for preserving the freshness of food in China is strictly prohibited.
China is the world’s largest producer of cabbages, most of which are exported to neighbouring countries in Asia.
Police have taken legal action against the individuals involved, according to state media.
Officials are now moving swiftly to prevent panic and restore confidence by carrying out spot checks on markets across the country.
Chinese state media says investigators will also establish how widespread the practice is and take measures to trace affected vegetables.
In a statement issued on Saturday, local authorities in Kangbao county said: “Any illegal or non-compliant practices discovered will be dealt with strictly in accordance with the law to ensure the safety of the vegetable supply.”
Xinfadi market in Beijing, one of the major sources of fresh produce in the capital, issued a statement saying that it had investigated the source of its cabbages, adding that none of the affected vegetables had entered its market.
The incident has generated widespread media attention in China.
