Drinks linked to infertility

Photo via flickr commons

In a recent scandal, various Taiwanese beverages and supplements have been exposed for illegally containing the chemical DEHP.

DEHP is usually used in the manufacturing of plastics, but has previously been added to food products in order to make them appear more visually appealing to consumers. The consumption of large amounts of the chemical has been linked to infertility, especially in young boys.

Tien Chiu-chin commented this morning that such chemicals can build up over long periods of time and as such the government has an obligation to ensure such cases are identified. Products containing DEHP have circulated in the local markets of Taiwan for more than 30 years. “The government should earmark a budget to finance free blood and hormone tests for pregnant women, school children and women suffering from infertility to determine the concentration of toxic chemicals in their bodies, for health reasons,” Tien said.

As of today, retailers in Taiwan are not permitted to sell sports drinks, juices, tea beverages, dietary supplements and powders, jams or syrups, unless the products have been certified as not containing any of the six plasticizers.

References:

Drink pulled that may cause reproductive problems in boys. (2011, May 31). Fox news, Retrieved from http://www.foxnews.com/health/2011/05/31/drink-pulled-cause-reproductive-problems-boys/

Lawmaker calls for free testing of children for dehp residues. (2011, May 31). Focus Taiwan, Retrieved from http://focustaiwan.tw