Bangkok: The Thai Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is closely monitoring vegetables sold in Thailand following reports of formalin being used in Chinese cabbage. Intensive inspections at import checkpoints and wholesale markets have been ordered, and random vegetable samples have been collected. Initial tests did not detect formalin.

According to Thai News Agency, the FDA has stepped up its surveillance of vegetables sold in Thailand following reports of formalin use in cabbage. The FDA has instructed relevant food and drug checkpoints to intensify investigations into the source of produce and is accelerating on-site sampling of cabbage at both food and drug checkpoints and wholesale markets nationwide. Preliminary screening using test kits is underway. As of August 25, 2026, 42 samples from three import checkpoints and two wholesale markets, including both imported and domestically produced cabbage, were found to be free of formalin contamination. The FDA will continue to monitor and conduct random inspections to ensure consumer safety.

Pharmacist Supatra Boonsearm, Secretary-General of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), revealed that the FDA currently has measures in place to oversee the safety of fruits and vegetables throughout the supply chain. These measures include establishing guidelines and production standards for fruit and vegetable sorting and packaging facilities, requiring the sourcing of raw materials from suppliers with controlled and safe levels of chemical use, and implementing traceability systems to trace the origin of raw materials. This is coupled with random safety inspections at sorting and packaging facilities, food and drug checkpoints, and retail outlets to monitor for agricultural chemicals and prohibited substances in food. A monitoring plan is established annually.

The Secretary-General stated that regarding news reports of formaldehyde or formalin being used on cabbage to maintain its freshness during transportation, the FDA has been closely monitoring the situation. The FDA has instructed relevant food and drug checkpoints to increase the stringency of inspections on imported vegetables and to conduct random sampling based on risk levels. The FDA is also accelerating inspections of cabbage sold domestically to cover both imported and domestically produced goods.

Inspection results as of August 25, 2026, using preliminary test kits to detect formalin at three food and drug checkpoints: Chiang Khong, Chiang Saen, and Bangkok Port. Twenty-two samples of vegetables such as Chinese cabbage, bok choy, coral lettuce, coriander, and celery were tested. Additionally, 20 samples of Chinese cabbage (11 imported and 9 domestically produced) were tested at two domestic wholesale markets. No formalin contamination was found in any of the samples. However, if any preliminary test results are suspicious, further laboratory testing will be conducted, and related goods will be immediately controlled to prevent potentially unsafe products from reaching consumers.

The Secretary-General of the FDA stated that formaldehyde is a chemical with antimicrobial properties. It is used in medicine, disinfection, cleaning, and industry, but its use in soaking, spraying, or preserving food's freshness is prohibited. However, due to its ability to delay spoilage, it may be misused in vegetables, fruits, seafood, and meat to make them appear fresher and last longer. High levels of exposure can cause irritation to the mouth, throat, and digestive system, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, or diarrhea. Excessive exposure can be seriously harmful. In Thailand, the production, import, or sale of food containing formaldehyde is prohibited. Violators face imprisonment from 6 months to 2 years and a fine from 5,000 to 20,000 baht.

The Secretary-General of the FDA concluded by urging the public to follow information from government agencies. The FDA will continuously monitor the situation and ensure the safety of fruits and vegetables sold in the country. For safety, consumers should choose fruits and vegetables from reliable sources and wash them thoroughly before consumption. For small quantities of fruits and vegetables, soak them in clean water for about 15 minutes, gently shaking or rubbing, then rinse under running clean water for at least 30 seconds. Alternatively, soak them in a solution of baking soda (1 teaspoon per 4 liters of water) or salt (2 tablespoons per 4 liters of water) for about 15 minutes, then rinse again with clean water. When using fruit and vegetable cleaning products, choose products with an FDA registration number and strictly follow the instructions on the label.

For any inquiries, product information can be obtained via the FDA hotline 1556, online at FDAThai on all platforms, or at provincial public health offices nationwide.