China probes use of formaldehyde to keep cabbages fresh

Footage from Hebei showed cabbages allegedly being dipped in formaldehyde, prompting an investigation and legal action against those involved.
Officials are carrying out nationwide spot checks and promising strict penalties to calm consumers — formaldehyde is banned for food and is linked to cancer risks.
The story matters beyond a local scandal: China produces nearly half the world’s cabbages and exports to neighbors like Vietnam, South Korea and Russia, so it could hit trade and consumer confidence.