New food scandal

    THE DEHP food scandal in Taiwan has involved more than 200 firms and 800 products, and some tainted commodities have been discovered on the mainland.

    Mainland food authorities have made a good decision in suspending imports of problematic Taiwan products. But mainland consumers have not been assured of food safety as suspicion lingers over whether some mainland-produced food and beverages also contain the toxic plasticizer DEHP, which was substituted for palm oil to reduce cost. Since food inspection on the mainland has not included DEHP, it is reasonable for the public to worry and it would be a sensible move for DEHP to be legally required to be tested on food and drinks.

    Wang Xiaoyi, professor at the Beijing University of Technology, said DEHP existed in the air, rivers and soil, and it could be found in water from water coolers and bottled water. There are also understandable concerns among consumers that instant noodles, bakery products and many other food items may have been contaminated.

    To allow consumers to be better informed, authorities should conduct wide tests on as many products as possible and release the test results honestly and promptly. There should also be new guidelines for manufacturers to prevent DEHP from entering food and drinks.

    Eric Lam via e-mail