Food products from China 'satisfactory': Singapore

SINGAPORE - The Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority of Singapore (AVA) said test results on food products from China, including fresh vegetables, have so far been " satisfactory", local TV reported on Tuesday.

This comes as China is investigating claims into reports that vegetable sellers are spraying cabbage with formaldehyde to keep it fresh. Formaldehyde is commonly used as a preservative for laboratory specimens and embalming. It is also a cancer-causing substance, and can be fatal, if ingested, Channel NewsAsia said.

Media and Internet reports this week said the practice has been used by dozens of vegetable sellers in the eastern province of Shandong.

AVA said food products, including fresh vegetables from China are regularly tested to ensure they comply with Singapore's food safety standards.

Produce are tested for preservatives like formaldehyde, pesticide residues and even heavy metals.

AVA said 29 percent of Singapore's fresh vegetable supply is from China. AVA also added that consumers are encouraged to wash their fresh vegetables thoroughly before cooking and eating.