Archive · 25 Aug 2026
South Korea Tightens Chinese Cabbage Checks After Formaldehyde Scandal
Some cabbage sellers in China were filmed dipping cabbage roots into formaldehyde to help the vegetables last longer.
Formaldehyde is an industrial chemical that can also be used to preserve dead bodies.
The videos caused concern in China and South Korea.
China began checking markets and vegetable shipments.
South Korea increased inspections of Chinese cabbage at its border.
Officials are also checking whether any affected cabbage has already arrived.
This is important because cabbage is a main ingredient in kimchi.
The checks come before kimjang, the season when many people in South Korea make kimchi.
South Korea strengthened border inspections of cabbage arriving from China after videos showed formaldehyde being used to preserve vegetables.
The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety is checking whether affected cabbage has already entered South Korea.
China launched spot checks and market inspections, promising severe punishment for legal or regulatory violations.
The controversy emerged ahead of kimjang, South Korea’s late-autumn-to-year-end kimchi-making season.
China supplied 99.9% of South Korea’s 341,316.9 tons of imported kimchi in the 12 months through July.
- Who
- South Korea’s Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, Chinese market authorities, and cabbage sellers in China are involved.
- What
- South Korea tightened inspections of Chinese cabbage after reports that formaldehyde was used to keep some vegetables fresh.
- When
- The inspections were strengthened on Monday, ahead of kimjang, which runs from late autumn through the end of the year.
- Where
- The reported use occurred in Kangbao County in northern Hebei Province, while inspections are taking place in China and at South Korea’s border.
- Why
- Authorities are responding to food-safety concerns after videos showed cabbage being dipped into formaldehyde.
- South Korean response
- The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety strengthened inspections of Chinese cabbage and is checking whether affected vegetables entered the country.
- Chinese response
- China launched spot checks and market inspections after videos circulated online.
- Chemical involved
- Formaldehyde was reportedly used during the purchasing and transportation process to extend cabbage freshness.
- Kimchi imports
- South Korea imported 341,316.9 tons of kimchi in the 12 months through July.
- China’s share
- China accounted for 99.9% of South Korea’s imported kimchi during that period.
- Seasonal timing
- The inspections come before kimjang, South Korea’s kimchi-making season, which runs from late autumn through year end.
- Domestic supply
- South Korea produces most of its own cabbage, but Chinese imports and Chinese-made kimchi are important cheaper supplies for restaurants and food-service businesses.