China suspended imports of contaminated beverages, food products from Taiwan

China announced on Wednesday that as of June 1 the mainland will suspend imports of beverages, food products and food additives from Taiwan which are produced by businesses suspected of employing a cancer-causing plastic additive.

The General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine (GAQSIQ) said the mainland has been notified by authorities in Taiwan that some drink and food products may have been contaminated with di (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate or DEHP, a liquid that's employed by manufacturers to soften plastic.

The GAQSIQ stated it would enhance inspections, tests and supervision over food and food additives imported from Taiwan to protect the health of customers inside the mainland.

Based on a GAQSIQ statement, only beverages, food items and additives produced by manufacturers that have been certified DEHP-free by qualified laboratories might be imported.

Much more than 4,800 beverage bottles, which had been produced by Taiwan Yes Sports Drink and suspected of DEHP contamination, have been reportedly recalled within the mainland.

DEHP is widely utilized as a plasticizer inside the manufacturing of items including medical tubing and intravenous bags.

Young children are especially prone to the harmful effects of high doses of DEPH or to repeated exposure, which can lead to testicular or kidney damage and fertility issues.

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