Formaldehyde Surveillance on Cabbage Imports and Extending Testing of Food Products Subject to Similar Post-harvest Practices

Ms Joan Pereira asked the Minister for Sustainability and the Environment following reports of alleged use of formaldehyde on cabbage in China (a) whether an update can be provided on the recent stepped-up surveillance by the Singapore Food Agency on the (i) volume and proportion of cabbage imports tested, (ii) instances of non-compliance detected and (iii) actions taken; and (b) whether testing has been extended to other food products potentially subject to similar post-harvest preservation practices.

Ms Grace Fu Hai Yien: The Singapore Food Agency (SFA) has stepped up the surveillance and testing of cabbage and other vegetables, as well as related products, such as kimchi, following the reports of alleged use of formaldehyde on cabbages from China.

So far, there has been no evidence to suggest that the products imported into Singapore are contaminated with formaldehyde. SFA will continue to monitor developments and conduct further sampling and testing where necessary, to ensure food in Singapore is safe for consumption.