The public health threat of phthalate-tainted foodstuffs in Taiwan: The policies the government implemented and the lessons we learned

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• 作者：Ming-Tsang Wu^a ; ^b ; ^c ; ^{960021@ms.kmuh.org.tw} ; Chia-Fang Wu^a ; Jiunn-Ren Wu^d ; Bai-Hsiun Chen^d ; Eric K. Chen^e ; ^f ; Mei-Chyn Chao^d ; Ching-Kuan Liu^g ; Chi-Kung Ho^a ; ^{kmco6849@ms14.hinet.net}
• 关键词：BBP ; butyl benzyl phthalate ; DBP ; Di-n-butyl phthalate ; DEHP ; Di-(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate ; DIDP ; Di-isodecyl phthalate ; DINP ; Di-isononyl phthalate ; DMP ; Dimethyl phthalate ; DNOP ; Di(n-octyl)phthalate ; DOH ; Department of Health ; EFSA ; European Food Safety
• 刊名：Environment International
• 出版年：2012
• 期刊代码：25_01604120
• 类别：env
• 出版时间：1 September, 2012
• 卷：44
• 期：Complete
• 页码：75-79
• 文件大小：465 K

摘要

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.