Event Analysis: Industrial plasticizer DEPH found in Taiwan sport drinks

Industrial plasticizer has been detected from some beverages in China's Taiwan recently, causing well being concerns amongst consumers inside the area.

The plasticizing agent Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) is used to soften plastics and make them flexible and not meant for food use and need to not be added to food.

DEPH is identified to trigger cancer and words say that it may possibly also pose risks to children's reproductive organism.

It is employed as a substitute for palm oil in clouding agent formulas to save production expenses and deliver richer colors.

However it is not supposed to be a substitute in food. Investigators in the drink case traced the chemical to an emulsifier produced by Yu Sheng Chemical, which utilized DEHP as substitute for palm oil.

The tolerable every day intake of DEHP as established by the European Union is 0.05 mg/kg body weight per day.

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