Bangkok: Thai authorities have intensified inspections of imported vegetables following online videos showing Chinese vendors treating produce with formaldehyde solution to preserve freshness during transit.

According to Thai News Agency, local sources in China indicated the process extends the shelf life of vegetables by two to three days. Chinese authorities confirmed preliminary investigation results showing traders illegally used formaldehyde solutions on cabbages, and are tracing the supply chain while auditing local procurement and transport networks.

Suriya Juangroongruangkit, Thailand's Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives, stated that the Department of Agriculture is coordinating with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to heighten border controls. While the agriculture department inspects imports for plant pests, the FDA oversees chemical residue and food safety standards.

Thai officials have increased random testing on Chinese cabbage across imported and domestic distribution channels. Initial test results as of Aug. 25 from three border checkpoints and two wholesale markets showed no formaldehyde contamination across all 42 samples collected. Authorities confirmed monitoring and random sampling will continue.