Three Detained in Hebei Formaldehyde Cabbage Case
SingTao · 2 SOURCESabout 4 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
Police in Kangbao County, Zhangjiakou, Hebei have formally opened a criminal investigation into the “formaldehyde cabbage” case, with three suspects placed under criminal detention. The case stems from an Aug. 22 exposure alleging that traders dipped Chinese cabbage roots in formaldehyde solution before loading them for transport to prolong freshness by two to three days.
Key Points
- Mainland media reported on Aug. 29 that public security authorities had filed a criminal case over the Kangbao County “Aug. 22 formaldehyde preservation” incident.
- Local authorities previously said a video posted by environmental blogger “Yulie Qige” showed a real practice in which buyers treated cabbages during loading.
- The Kangbao County government said agriculture, market regulation and police departments launched on-site checks immediately after the online allegations emerged.
- Authorities described the conduct as an illegal act by produce buyers seeking to preserve vegetables during transport by dipping cabbage roots in formaldehyde solution.
- Investigators are urgently tracing where the affected cabbages went, while the county is inspecting vegetable purchasing, transport and sales links more broadly.
Why It Matters
The case has already spread beyond Hebei because the cabbages were reported to have flowed mainly to Jiangsu and Anhui, while the controversy also affected consumer confidence in Guangdong and Hong Kong. Central food-safety and market authorities have also ordered stricter follow-up action, suggesting wider checks on perishable vegetables may continue.