Chen, who doubles as CPC minister, said class action suits on behalf of consumers would be filed jointly by the CPC and two private consumer protection organizations if necessary.
A nationwide investigation May 23 found traces of the plasticizer diethylhexylphthalate (DEHP) in the clouding agent used in bottled sports drinks, while a similar chemical, diisononylphthalate (DINP), has since been discovered in some juice products. Scientists have found the chemicals to increase the level of female hormones in men.
“This is a serious incident for Taiwan’s food industry,” Government Information Office Minister Philip Yang said. Five types of products—sports drinks, juices, teas, syrups and jams, and tablets and powders—containing clouding agents will be banned from sale starting May 31 unless manufacturers provide safety certificates, he said.
“The aim is to ensure food safety and restore consumer’s confidence in the products,” Yang stressed. “Manufacturers will also have a chance to prove their goods are safe.”
In accordance with the Act Governing Food Sanitation, uncooperative manufacturers will be fined up to NT$900,000 (US$31,035), while distributors refusing, impeding or evading inspections will be fined up to NT$150,000, Yang pointed out, adding that serious violators will have their business or factory licenses revoked.
The government is now revising laws on the management of food sanitation and reviewing the food safety management system, Yang said. “The crisis will be an opportunity to renew people’s confidence in Taiwan’s food industry.”
According to Department of Health Minister Chiu Wen-ta, the DOH has set up 20 emergency hotlines, while medical consultation services on the health effects of DEHP are available at 45 hospitals around the nation.
Industrial plasticizers, commonly used to produce plasticware, are banned in food manufacturing, with no prior contamination cases reported in Taiwan. (THN)
Write to Grace Kuo at morningk@mail.gio.gov.tw