The FDA confirmed that Taiwan forbids the import of Chinese cabbage – also known as napa cabbage – from China, following rumors of several producers coating their product in formaldehyde. After several media outlets reported rumors of the scandal on Monday, August 24, the FDA clarified that both fresh and frozen cabbage from China are not allowed in Taiwan, and none have been imported this year.

The news started after a social media influencer posted a video revealing how several vendors in a major-cabbage producing area between Hebei and Inner Mongolia applied a formaldehyde solution to the roots of their produce to preserve it. Formaldehyde is a class 1 carcinogen and is often applied through liquid solutions such as formalin. Chinese authorities conducted emergency investigations and confirmed the video’s authenticity – sparking public concern. China is the world’s largest producer of cabbages, and local police have taken legal action against the individuals involved in the video.

Taiwan’s FDA stated that the affected Chinese cabbage is on the International Trade Administration’s list of forbidden imports, fresh or frozen. Furthermore, according to the border inspection automated management system, there are no records of Chinese cabbages being imported from January 1 to August 20 of this year.