▲ Allegations raised regarding toxic substances in diapers in China
Chinese authorities have launched an investigation following allegations that formamide, a harmful substance, has been detected in diapers from well-known brands in China.
According to reports from China Central Television (CCTV) and Reuters on June 22, the State Administration for Market Regulation of China announced that it has formed a joint investigation team with the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, the National Health Commission, and the National Administration of Disease Prevention and Control to address the "issue of formamide in infant diapers."
Previously, a Chinese media outlet raised concerns after having samples of specific diaper brands—which some parents claimed had caused recurring skin issues such as rashes—tested by a professional institution, which reportedly detected the toxic substance formamide.
Formamide is a hazardous chemical that can be absorbed into the body through the skin.
The Sing Tao Daily explained that if the skin of infants, whose organ development is not yet complete, is exposed to diapers emitting formamide for an extended period, it could potentially cause damage to the reproductive system, liver, and kidneys.
It is reported that there are currently no separate testing standards for formamide content in diapers in mainland China.
The media outlet that first reported the allegations is the Economic Information Daily, an economic publication issued by China's state-run Xinhua News Agency.
The three brands implicated in the formamide detection allegations—Babycare, Viva Baby (Chinese name: Viva Baobei), and Huggies (Chinese name: Haochi)—have refuted the claims, stating that their own internal tests did not detect the substance in their products.
While Huggies is a global brand, products manufactured locally are also distributed in China, while Babycare and Viva Baobei are local Chinese brands.
Chinese authorities stated, "We will verify the issue of formamide in infant diapers raised by the media and handle it in accordance with laws and regulations," adding, "We plan to disclose the relevant situation in a timely manner."
(Photo: Screenshot from Sing Tao Daily, Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.