(ECNS) -- Chinese authorities have launched a nationwide investigation into reports that formaldehyde was being used to prolong the shelf life of cabbages intended for human consumption.
The State Council Food Safety Office, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, and the State Administration for Market Regulation said Sunday that they had ordered local authorities to investigate the matter and take swift, strict action after it drew public attention, according to an official statement released that day.
The departments ordered a thorough trace of the affected cabbage shipments and strict measures to prevent contaminated products from entering the market.
In addition, they instructed provincial-level authorities to immediately conduct special and random inspections and market checks of cabbages and other perishable vegetables, warning that any violations would be punished severely.
The case came to light Saturday when a blogger posted a video showing individuals in Kangbao County, Zhangjiakou, Hebei Province, dipping cabbages in a formaldehyde solution before loading them onto trucks for transportation.
Police have taken legal measures against the individuals involved, and further investigation is continuing.
(By Zhang Dongfang)
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