Chinese Imported Mustard Greens Suspected of Containing Formalin, Singapore Tightens Surveillance
The Singapore Food Agency (SFA) has tightened inspections on Chinese mustard greens entering Singapore following the revelation of illegal practices involving the use of formalin to maintain vegetable freshness in China.
In a statement to Channel News Asia (CNA) on Tuesday (1/9), the SFA stated that it is continuously monitoring the development of the case. Singapore’s food safety authorities have also increased surveillance and testing of mustard greens as part of their food safety monitoring programme.
“The situation is being closely monitored,” the SFA stated, responding to concerns regarding the potential circulation of mustard greens treated with formalin.
Singapore’s measures come amidst rising vigilance in several Asian nations regarding the safety of Chinese mustard greens. South Korea has previously tightened inspections on imports from China, while Taiwan is working to reassure consumers while tracing the potential entry of contaminated products through indirect routes.
Practice of Soaking Cabbage in Formalin
Concerns regarding the safety of Chinese mustard greens began following the discovery of alleged formalin use to maintain vegetable freshness during the distribution process. The Chinese government subsequently conducted a national inspection of various perishable vegetables. This step was taken after authorities in Hebei Province, northern China, confirmed on 22 August that illegal formalin use was occurring to preserve mustard greens during distribution.
The case surfaced after a Chinese environmental blogger, using the Douyin account Qige, uploaded a video that went viral on social media. In the video, Qige claimed that several workers in the Tunken area, Kangbao County, Hebei, were dipping mustard greens into a liquid suspected of containing formaldehyde before the vegetables were loaded for shipment.
Qige then questioned the workers regarding the effectiveness of this method in maintaining freshness. One worker replied that the treatment could keep the mustard greens fresh for approximately two to three days. According to the video, the shipment of mustard greens was destined for Suqian City, Jiangsu Province.
The video gained widespread attention and prompted local authorities to launch an investigation. On 22 August, authorities confirmed that preliminary investigation results indicated the practices seen in the video did indeed occur, as reported by China Daily.
Formaldehyde is Carcinogenic
Formalin is a solution containing formaldehyde, a chemical compound widely used in various industries, including the production of plastics and resins. However, the use of formaldehyde in food is a serious concern due to the health risks involved. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classifies formaldehyde as a human carcinogen that can trigger cancer.
The increased surveillance in Singapore demonstrates how the case of formalin use in Chinese mustard greens has evolved into a cross-border food safety issue. For countries that rely on imports to meet food needs, strengthening oversight is a vital step to ensure that products entering the market meet safety standards before public consumption.