Did Chinese Formaldehyde-Treated Bok Choy Enter Taiwan via 'Origin Laundering'? Is Baby Cabbage Safe? Responses from PX Mart, Costco, and Wan Jia Fu

Recent reports from China have revealed unscrupulous vendors illegally using formaldehyde solution—a substance posing health risks—to extend the shelf life of bok choy before shipment, sparking food safety concerns. Some consumers in Taiwan have reported purchasing baby cabbage labeled as Vietnamese origin, which remained unspoiled after being refrigerated for three weeks, raising concerns about improper preservation methods. There are also suspicions that Chinese agricultural products may be entering Taiwan through third countries via 'origin laundering.' Additionally, consumers worry whether Korean-labeled kimchi imports might contain Chinese formaldehyde-treated cabbage.

In response, major retail chains in Taiwan—including PX Mart, Da Quan Lian, Costco, Wan Jia Fu, and Le Jia Kang—have issued clarifications, stating that all imported fruits and vegetables sold in their stores have passed required inspections. The Taiwan Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has also announced enhanced border controls, conducting targeted formaldehyde inspections on produce regardless of country of origin.

Costco stated: 'Our fresh produce is sourced in compliance with Taiwan's relevant regulations and our internal quality control standards. Fresh or chilled Chinese cabbage is legally prohibited from being imported into Taiwan, so the overseas incidents are unrelated to products currently available in Taiwan. We will continue to cooperate with authorities to ensure quality control.'

PX Mart and Da Quan Lian explained: 'All imported fruits and vegetables we sell have passed government inspections, and suppliers provide certified test reports. Our internal teams also conduct random spot checks to ensure product quality.'

Wan Jia Fu and Le Jia Kang emphasized: 'All imported produce obtains import permits from Taiwan's Ministry of Health and Welfare Food and Drug Administration (FDA) upon entry and undergoes inspections to ensure quality and safety.'

In response to concerns about whether Korean kimchi might indirectly use Chinese formaldehyde-treated cabbage, the FDA posted on its official Facebook page, announcing strengthened border controls on cabbage and kimchi-related products with the following measures:

· Enhanced targeted inspections at borders: Regardless of country of origin, cabbage and kimchi-related products will be specifically tested for formaldehyde, with control measures adjusted dynamically based on inspection results.

· Clarification of no Chinese cabbage import records: According to data from the Automated Import Inspection Management Information System (IFI), there have been no records of Chinese cabbage imports into Taiwan from January 1, 2026, to August 25. Similarly, kimchi products made with problematic cabbage as announced by the South Korean government have no import records in Taiwan.

· Strict legal enforcement and immediate action: Formaldehyde is not an approved food additive in Taiwan and is legally prohibited from being added to food. If Korean products made with Chinese formaldehyde-treated cabbage are confirmed to have entered Taiwan, the FDA will immediately implement necessary border controls and take legal action against any already-distributed products.