FDA: FOOD PRODUCTS FROM TAIWAN BEING MONITORED

Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Director Suzette H. Lazo, MD today assured the public that food products and food additives imported from Taiwan are being monitored after the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) informed the Philippine government of possible contamination of Di (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP).

Widely used as a plasticizer in the manufacturing of articles such as intravenous bags and tubings, blood bags and infusion tubings and nasogastric tubes, DEHP was found to be illegally added to a food product raw material intended for emulsification. While low doses of DEHP are generally safe, high doses or prolonged exposure can have harmful effects. Children are especially prone to the harmful effects of high doses of DEHP or to repeated exposure which can lead to testicular effects, fertility problems and toxicity to kidneys.

The Taiwan government has informed the Department of Health that a company may have imported food products containing additives contaminated by DEHP to the Philippines.  Efforts to trace local counterpart of this company are currently in progress. -30- DOH