Controversial cooking ban lifted at Hebei market

A notice about banning noodle and pancake cooking due to air pollution at a vegetable market in Shijiazhuang, Hebei province has been revoked after it sparked widespread attention online.

An investigation showed that during a recent safety and food security inspection at the Baifu Market, 13 vendors were found to have safety hazards, leading to a temporary closure for rectification, according to a statement by the Tangu Community Street Office in Chang'an district on Wednesday.

However, the market issued the closure notice citing air pollution prevention as the reason, without authorization from the local environmental protection department, the statement added.

This notice has been revoked.

Local authorities are currently conducting investigations into the individuals involved in the matter. Management personnel have been assigned to assist the affected vendors in their rectification efforts.

The city issued a red alert for heavy air pollution on Monday morning.