Chinese authorities in Hebei province have launched an investigation after footage emerged showing cabbages being dipped in formaldehyde, a carcinogenic chemical banned in food preservation, before being sent to market. The footage, first shared by an environmental blogger, has triggered widespread public concern in China, the world's largest producer of cabbages, prompting police action against those involved and nationwide spot checks to reassure consumers and prevent panic.

Officials in Kangbao county pledged strict legal action against any illegal practices, while investigators work to determine how widespread the practice is and trace affected produce. Beijing's Xinfadi market, a major fresh produce hub, said it had checked its supply chain and found none of the tainted cabbages had entered its market. China produces over 30 million tonnes of cabbages annually, nearly half the world's total, with major exports to Vietnam, South Korea and Russia; the People's Daily condemned the wholesalers involved for prioritising profit over consumer safety, though health experts note the cancer risk from small formaldehyde exposures remains unclear.