Journal
ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL
Volume 44, Issue -, Pages 75-79Publisher
PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD
DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2012.01.014
Keywords
Phthalates; Di-(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate; Di-isononyl phthalate; Endocrine disruptors; Emulsifier; Contaminated foodstuffs
Categories
Funding
- Taiwan National Health Research Institutes [NHRI-EX98-9708PI]
- National Science Council [NSC100-2314-B-037-027]
- Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital [KMUH98-8R05, KMUH100-9R54]
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A major incident of phthalate-contaminated foodstuffs happened in Taiwan between April and July, 2011. Phthalates were deliberately added to foodstuffs as a substitute of emulsifier. We describe the course of this incident, government response and management of the crisis, and its future implications. Five major food categories, including sports drinks, fruit beverages, tea drinks, fruit jam or jelly, and health food or supplements in tablet or powder form, were contaminated with Di-(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate and/or Di-isononyl phthalate. At least 900 different food products were affected. Like the scandal of melamine-tainted infant formula, this event represents another large deliberate food contamination incident. It is important to be reminded that many governments in developing countries make rapid economic growth as their first priority, often compromising environmental safety and public health. The administration leaders need to find a balance between economic expansion and health and environmental safety. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
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