No Formaldehyde Detected in Imported Chinese Cabbage, South Korean Food Safety Agency Reports

South Korea's Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) announced on May 26 that formaldehyde, a substance linked to cancer, was not detected in Chinese cabbage that recently underwent import inspections. This finding comes amid concerns raised by reports of formaldehyde being used by some Chinese cabbage farmers to preserve the freshness of their produce.

The MFDS stated that inspections conducted on May 24-25 on eight batches of Chinese cabbage declared for import yielded no traces of formaldehyde. Formaldehyde is classified as a Group 1 carcinogen by the World Health Organization (WHO) and is known to cause nasopharyngeal and sinus cancers.

To address these concerns, the MFDS implemented strengthened inspection protocols at customs on May 24. Under these new measures, all imported Chinese cabbage is now subject to formaldehyde testing. Inspections are also being conducted on kimchi and brined cabbage produced by various manufacturers.

The ministry is also in communication with Chinese authorities to ascertain the extent to which formaldehyde has been used in cabbage cultivation. Additionally, the MFDS plans to collect and test all Chinese-made cabbage, kimchi, and brined cabbage currently in circulation within South Korea, with the results to be publicly disclosed. The ministry is also investigating whether cabbage treated with formaldehyde has been imported into the country.