The Singapore Food Agency (SFA) has increased surveillance and testing of cabbages imported from China after reports emerged that sellers used formaldehyde to preserve the vegetables. According to an SFA statement on Sept. 1, the agency is monitoring developments closely as part of its food safety monitoring programme to ensure produce meets safety standards.
Formaldehyde Use in Hebei Province Triggers Regional Alerts
The safety concerns began when a Chinese environmental blogger, known as Qige, posted a video on Douyin. The footage showed workers in Tunken township, located in Hebei province’s Kangbao county, dipping cabbage roots into a liquid solution before loading them onto trucks. In the video, a worker claimed the treatment would keep the vegetables fresh for two to three days.
Local authorities in Hebei province confirmed on Aug. 22 that formaldehyde had been illegally used during the purchasing and transport process, according to reports from China Daily and South Korean media. The produce shown in the video was reportedly bound for Suqian city in Jiangsu province.
Did you know? Formaldehyde is classified as carcinogenic to humans by the International Agency for Research on Cancer. While used in plastics, resins, and morgues to preserve bodies, it is not a permitted food preservative.
International Response from South Korea and Taiwan
Singapore is not the only region responding to the scandal. South Korea has similarly stepped up inspections of cabbage imports arriving from China. Taiwan has also taken action to reassure its consumers, checking whether tainted produce could have reached the island indirectly.
China has responded to the viral footage by launching nationwide inspections of perishable vegetables and conducting spot checks in markets to curb the illegal use of industrial chemicals in the food supply chain, according to Channel News Asia.
Comparative Regional Actions
| Region | Action Taken | Source of Trigger |
|---|---|---|
| Singapore | Increased surveillance and testing | SFA Statement |
| South Korea | Stepped up import inspections | Regional reports |
| Taiwan | Checking for indirect imports | Regional reports |
Food Safety Monitoring and Chemical Risks
The use of formaldehyde in food transport is a violation of safety protocols due to the chemical’s toxicity. Because it is an industrial preservative, its presence in fresh produce poses health risks to consumers. The SFA’s decision to integrate these checks into its existing monitoring programme aims to intercept contaminated shipments before they reach retail markets.
Pro Tip: When buying imported produce, check for certifications or source the vegetables from reputable vendors who can provide traceability data on the origin of their stock.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is formaldehyde and why is it used on cabbage?
Formaldehyde is an industrial chemical used in plastics and resins. In this instance, it was used illegally by some sellers in China to extend the shelf life of cabbages by two to three days.
Is the cabbage in Singapore safe?
The SFA has stepped up testing and surveillance of cabbages from China to ensure that any produce entering the market is safe for consumption.
Which areas in China were affected?
The scandal emerged from Tunken township in Hebei province’s Kangbao county, with some shipments reportedly destined for Suqian city in Jiangsu province.
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