China investigates formaldehyde treatment of cabbage in Hebei province

August 25, 2026 at 12:41 AM2 min

This digest was compiled by AI from multiple sources — links to the originals are below.

Authorities in China's Hebei province launched an investigation after a video showed workers dipping cabbages in a formaldehyde solution before loading them onto trucks. Police in Kangbao county opened a criminal case against individuals suspected of illegal vegetable treatment. The case has prompted nationwide spot checks of markets and suppliers.

Key Facts

Police in Kangbao county, Hebei province, opened a criminal case over the illegal treatment of vegetables with formaldehyde.
China produces more than 30 million tonnes of cabbage annually, nearly half of global output.
The Xinfadi wholesale market in Beijing said it checked cabbage origins and found no products linked to the case.
Formaldehyde is classified as a carcinogen and its use in food preservation is banned in China.

Investigation and Criminal Case

Authorities in Hebei province confirmed the authenticity of the video and began an inspection. Police in Kangbao county opened a criminal case against individuals suspected of involvement in the illegal treatment of vegetables. Local authorities stated that any illegal actions will be stopped in strict accordance with the law to ensure the safety of vegetable supplies. Nationwide spot checks of markets and vegetable suppliers are being conducted to determine the scale of the violation and where the treated cabbage may have been sent.

Market Response and Public Reaction

The Xinfadi wholesale market in Beijing, one of the largest fresh produce markets in the country, reported checking its supplies. Market representatives said they verified the origin of cabbage and found no products related to the case among incoming vegetables. The story sparked widespread public outcry in China, with the People's Daily newspaper calling the wholesalers' actions a violation of law and safety norms.

Formaldehyde Risks and Production Scale

Formaldehyde is a colorless chemical used for preserving biological specimens and is banned for food preservation in China. At certain exposure levels, formaldehyde poses health risks and is classified as a carcinogen. China remains the world's largest cabbage producer, growing more than 30 million tonnes annually, nearly half of global production. A significant portion of the produce is exported to other Asian countries, including Vietnam, South Korea, and Russia.