Gansu authorities seize 11.8 tons of dyed stem lettuce

Authorities in Yuzhong County, Gansu Province, have uncovered several companies illegally using food coloring to dye stem lettuce (celtuce) to improve its visual appearance for sale. The investigation was triggered by a social media whistleblower who released footage showing workers dipping the vegetables into a dark green liquid.

Following an emergency inspection of 53 storage and distribution facilities, officials confirmed that six companies were using food additives, specifically containing brilliant blue and lemon yellow, to mask yellowing or damage. While these dyes are permitted in beverages and candies, their use on fresh vegetables is strictly prohibited.

Authorities have seized and destroyed 11.8 tons of the affected lettuce and have opened legal cases against the six identified companies. This incident follows recent food safety concerns in China, including reports of formaldehyde being used to preserve cabbage in Hebei Province.