The ROC government will do its best to control the damage caused by the recent contamination case involving beverages tainted with the plasticizer diethylhexylphthalate (DEHP), Vice Premier Sean Chen said at a cross-ministerial news conference May 27.
“The Cabinet has set up an emergency taskforce, making sure all information is transparent and all problems assessed,” Chen said.
A nationwide investigation May 23 found bottled sports drinks containing DEHP. Commonly used to produce plasticware, the chemical is banned in food manufacturing with no prior cases of contamination reported in Taiwan.
Department of Health Minister Chiu Wen-ta said his ministry has asked manufacturers that have used a tainted emulsifier produced by Yu Sheng Chemical Co. and its intermediary suppliers to recall their products.
Supermarkets and convenience stores have also been told to take all products containing the clouding agent off the shelf, according to officials.
DEHP traces were found in the clouding agent used to produce sports drinks, juice, lactic acid powder, jam and health food, the DOH said. Clouding agents give a more natural appearance to beverages with low juice content.
Ongoing investigation also revealed that more products, including vitamin supplements, have been contaminated with DEHP.
“All products that contain clouding agents must provide proof of safety within the next three days before they can be sold on the market again,” Chiu said, adding that the DOH has set up emergency hotlines and will provide daily updates on its website.
“Training programs are underway at the 23 hospitals under the DOH to provide treatment and medical consultation to concerned citizens,” the minister said.
Chiu added that heavy penalties will be imposed on companies violating the Food Sanitation Governing Act, and for every single infringement.
Chiu stressed the DOH will redouble its factory inspections and work with the Environmental Protection Administration to strengthen regulations for toxic substances.
Ministry of Economic Affairs officials said the government will continue to track DEHP and publicize safe products online to ensure consumer health. (ML-THN)