FDA Screening Taiwan Foods/Beverages for DEHP, Other Phthalates
On June 22, 2011, the Food and Drug Administration announced that it is screening certain food and beverages imported from Taiwan for the presence of the plasticizer diethylhexyl-phthalate (DEHP) and other phthalates such as butylbenzylphthalate, di-n-butylphthalate, dioctyl phthalate, and di-isodecyl phthalate.
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Taiwan Authorities Informed FDA of Possible DEHP Contamination
Taiwan authorities responsible for food safety have informed the FDA of products shipped to the U.S. which they believe may be contaminated with DEHP.
FDA Has Increased Surveillance of Food from Taiwan, Investigating Further
FDA has increased surveillance of food products from Taiwan that are offered for entry into the U.S. It is working with Taiwan authorities to continue to identify products that are shipped to the U.S. that may contain DEHP or other plasticizers. FDA expects that the number of suspect products may change as it continues to receive updated information from the Taiwan investigation. As the review continues, FDA will conduct further follow up investigations and take actions as warranted.
Direct Addition of Phthalates to Food is Prohibited
Phthalates such as DEHP are primarily used as plasticizers in polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and polyvinylidene chloride (PVDC) polymers to increase their flexibility. The direct addition of DEHP to food is not permitted in the U.S.
(See ITT’s Online Archives or 06/13/11 news, 11061349, for BP summary of China suspending imports of 948 DEHP-tainted products from Taiwan.
See ITT’s Online Archives or 06/01/11 news, 11060146, for BP summary of Canada issuing an import alert on certain Taiwan food and beverages.)