Chinese authorities have launched a nationwide food safety inspection after cabbage sellers in northern China were found using formaldehyde solution to keep the vegetables fresh, prompting Korea to strengthen inspections of Chinese cabbage imports. Formaldehyde is classified as a Group 1 carcinogen. China's State Administration for Market Regulation said Sunday that it had instructed local authorities to investigate and swiftly address the use of formaldehyde solution in Kangbao County, Zhangjiakou, Hebei Province, according to China's state-run Xinhua News Agency on Monday. The administration, together with the Food Safety Office of the State Council and the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, also ordered authorities to trace the distribution routes of the affected cabbage and prevent it from entering the market. Authorities were also instructed to conduct special sampling inspections and market checks nationwide targeting cabbage and other vegetables prone to spoilage. The case came to light after an account on Douyin, China's version of TikTok, posted a video filmed at a cabbag