China launches investigation into goji berry farms after chemical use allegations

Farmers dry goji berries in Guazhou county of Jiuquan, Gansu province. CHINA DAILY Authorities in China's Qinghai and Gansu provinces announced on Monday that they will investigate the planting and processing of goji berries following a media report alleging that farmers used chemicals to enhance the berries' appearance. The CMG report, which aired Monday evening, revealed that some farmers in Golmud and Jingyuan were adding sodium metabisulfite or industrial sulfur during the production of goji berries to improve their color and appearance. In Golmud, local regulations explicitly prohibit the use of sodium metabisulfite and its substitutes in the production and processing of goji berries and related products. In Jingyuan, where goji berry cultivation covers approximately 280,000 mu, the CMG investigation found that freshly picked goji berries were being washed with sodium metabisulfite and fumigated with sulfur to maintain their appearance during unfavorable weather conditions.