# Chinese cabbage formaldehyde contamination investigation > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/chinese-cabbage-formaldehyde-contamination-investigation > Updated: 2026-08-25T01:31:00.000Z. Sources: 28. Developments: 2. Authorities in Hebei Province, China, launched an investigation into the illegal use of formaldehyde to preserve Napa cabbage in Kangbao County. The issue was brought to light by an environmental blogger who shared footage of workers dipping cabbage roots into a formaldehyde solution to extend freshness during transport. Because formaldehyde is a Group 1 carcinogen, Chinese officials initiated an emergency trace of distribution channels and took measures against those involved. The incident prompted South Korea to intensify inspections of Chinese cabbage imports. The South Korean Ministry of Food and Drug Safety has implemented preemptive testing at customs to ensure contaminated products do not enter the domestic market, particularly given the high volume of Chinese cabbage used in kimchi production. South Korean officials are coordinating with the Chinese embassy to determine the extent of the export of affected products. Recent updates indicate that the South Korean Ministry of Food and Drug Safety reported that eight recent shipments of Chinese cabbage tested negative for formaldehyde. However, the ministry is continuing to conduct collection tests on cabbage, kimchi, and salted cabbage currently in domestic circulation. Additionally, Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare has launched an investigation to determine if any contaminated cabbage has entered the Japanese market. Meanwhile, Chinese authorities are conducting nationwide spot checks to restore consumer confidence. ## Claims - A blogger released a video showing cabbage being soaked in a liquid to maintain freshness in some Chinese rural areas. (corroborated by 8 sources) - Formaldehyde is classified as a Group 1 carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). (corroborated by 6 sources) - South Korean authorities have increased formaldehyde testing for Chinese cabbage during the customs clearance process. (corroborated by 6 sources) - The Chinese central government has ordered a special investigation to track the distribution of the affected cabbage. (corroborated by 6 sources) - Authorities in Hebei province confirmed verified footage shows people submerging cabbages in a solution before transport. (corroborated by 5 sources) - Eight recent shipments of Chinese cabbage imported into South Korea tested negative for formaldehyde. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Police have initiated legal actions against the individuals involved in the chemical treatment of vegetables. (corroborated by 3 sources) - The use of formaldehyde to preserve food is strictly prohibited in China. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Local authorities in Kangbao County stated that any illegal practices discovered will be strictly prosecuted to ensure vegetable supply safety. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Japan's Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare is investigating whether the contaminated cabbage has entered the country. (single source) - Beijing’s Xinfadi Market stated that none of the contaminated cabbages entered its facility after an investigation. (single source) - China is the world's largest producer of cabbage, producing nearly half of the global annual supply. (single source) ## Timeline ### 2026-08-25: China investigates formaldehyde use in cabbage to preserve freshness China is investigating the illegal use of formaldehyde to preserve cabbage after viral footage surfaced. South Korea and Japan have increased food safety inspections to prevent contaminated imports. 11 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/south-korea-intensifies-inspections-of-chinese-cabbage-over-formaldehyde-concerns ### 2026-08-23: Hebei authorities investigate illegal formaldehyde use in cabbage preservation Chinese authorities are investigating the illegal use of formaldehyde to preserve cabbage in Hebei Province, sparking food safety concerns and increased import inspections in South Korea. 18 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/hebei-authorities-investigate-illegal-formaldehyde-use-to-preserve-cabbage --- Cite as: Chinese cabbage formaldehyde contamination investigation. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/chinese-cabbage-formaldehyde-contamination-investigation