China's 'Formaldehyde Cabbage' Sparks Food Safety Fears in Taichung

Taichung city councillors are demanding swift action from the city government to address food safety concerns sparked by China's "formaldehyde cabbage" incident. The reports indicate that cabbage in China was coated with formaldehyde, a known carcinogen, to extend its shelf life, raising fears that similar contaminated produce could enter the Taiwanese market, potentially through third countries.

Councillors Huang Shou-da, Wang Li-jen, Hsieh Chih-chung, and Chang Yu-yen voiced their concerns at a council meeting, urging the Taichung City Government to immediately launch special inspections of cabbage, baby cabbage, and processed foods sold within the city. They specifically requested that formaldehyde be included as a testing item.

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Formaldehyde is irritating. Ingesting it through consumption can cause nausea, abdominal pain, and damage to the digestive tract lining.

Health Bureau Director Tseng Tzu-chan assured the councillors that the bureau would conduct special inspections and specifically test for formaldehyde. He advised consumers who have concerns to temporarily refrain from purchasing these vegetables until the city's inspections are completed and results are announced.

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We will conduct special inspections and specifically test for formaldehyde.

Councillor Huang Shou-da highlighted that formaldehyde is a known irritant and can cause nausea, abdominal pain, and damage to the digestive tract if ingested. He noted that while fresh and frozen Chinese cabbage are not directly imported into Taiwan, past cases have involved Chinese vegetables being transshipped through third countries. He also pointed to a similar incident in South Korea involving processed foods made with Chinese cabbage testing positive for formaldehyde, underscoring the need for heightened vigilance.

Concerns were also raised about imported baby cabbage from Vietnam, with consumers worried about its safety following the Chinese incident. Huang noted that Taichung's routine inspections of fresh vegetables primarily focus on pesticide residues, and formaldehyde is not a standard testing item, posing a potential food safety risk. He urged the local market surveillance to be adjusted accordingly, especially since the national Food and Drug Administration has increased border inspection rates for imported Chinese cabbage and related processed products.

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If you have concerns, you can temporarily postpone your purchase until we complete relevant inspections and announce the results.