Bangkok: Strict controls on imported vegetables are being enforced following a video from China showing the use of formalin. The Minister of Agriculture emphasized that Thailand has established safety standards from production at the source, through import checkpoints, to distribution in markets.

According to Thai News Agency, a video has surfaced showing buyers of cabbage in China dipping it in a formaldehyde solution to keep it fresh during transport. This is a real incident, and it was later identified as formaldehyde. Locals reported that this method extended the shelf life of the cabbage by approximately 2-3 days. Chinese authorities have confirmed preliminary investigations indicating that some vendors were indeed using formaldehyde on cabbage to preserve its freshness during transit, a violation of the law. They are now tracing the source and destination of the affected cabbage shipment and investigating the procurement, transportation, and distribution processes in the area to prevent similar practices.

Mr. Suriya Jungrungruangkit, Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives, stated that he has instructed the Department of Agriculture to coordinate with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The Department of Agriculture's mandate includes plant health inspections, focusing on diseases and pests at import points. Regarding food safety, including contaminants, residues, and prohibited substances in food, the FDA has intensified inspections of imported vegetables and accelerated random testing of Chinese cabbage sold domestically following reports of formalin use in vegetables to preserve freshness. Preliminary results from August 25, 2026, from three FDA checkpoints and two wholesale markets, totaling 42 samples covering both imported and domestically produced vegetables, showed no formalin contamination in any of the samples. Continuous monitoring and random testing will be conducted.