Is my kimchi safe? China formaldehyde cabbage scandal puts Korea on alert

Key Points:

• Chinese authorities have initiated a nationwide food safety inspection after discovering that cabbage sellers in northern China used formaldehyde solution, a Group 1 carcinogen, to preserve vegetables.
• The State Administration for Market Regulation and other government bodies ordered investigations, tracing of distribution routes, and market checks to prevent contaminated cabbage from entering the market.
• The issue surfaced following a viral video on Douyin showing workers dipping cabbage roots into formaldehyde solution to extend freshness by two to three days, which local authorities confirmed as an illegal act.
• Major markets like Beijing's Xinfadi Market and Nanjing's Zhongcai Vegetable Market have taken precautionary measures, including banning cabbage from the affected area and mandating formaldehyde testing.
• South Korea's Ministry of Food and Drug Safety is investigating whether contaminated cabbage was exported to Korea and has strengthened import inspections to ensure food safety.