Carcinogens in food products

[kkearthling]

I always wonder why the tapioca pearls in the bubble tea is so chewy?

Latest news that Bis(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate, or ‘DEHP’ is used as a thickening agent has shocked Taiwan, Singapore, HK, as well as Malaysia, where the media have reported that DEHP (harmful plasticisers - used to make plastic soft and pliable - possible cause of cancer, can damage the liver and kidneys in the long term) has been used for at least five years. More than a million items produced by some 200 food companies have been found to have been tainted…

So far, 3 brands of a Taiwanese food product are being removed from the shelves here in Malaysia, and many others being tested for di-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) and di-isononyl phthalate (DINP) include fruit juices, jellies, jams, yoghurts and sports drinks.

Long Q is a frequent scene at the shops/booths selling Taiwanese Bubble Tea. Hopefully we have not been poisoned.

[DarkNite]

Still have long Q?

[zinglicious]

Another one to jump Q where it was featured in the CAP but was ignored by Malaysians. May you guess what it may be ? Srcoll down and see what chemicals was used to manufacture the ever favorite at home and mamak joints! http://www.consumer.org.my/index.php/homepage/utusan-konsumer/424-issue-40-4-sept-oct-2010.
Not just that it was ignored but there is hadrly supported by the SJ where I could hardly find Utusan Konsumer on sale. :confused:
BTW, I was an ardent supporter of Utusan Konsumer since 80's. :cool:

[ivanhow]

Did a search and found the following articles to be DEHP related.

1. Two more Taiwanese food products recalled (http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2011/6/10/nation/20110610211559&sec=nation) -

Two products - Strawberry Pudding Powder and Strawberry Pudding - manufactured by Signwin Food Enterprise, suspected of being contaminated with DEHP.

According to Datuk Dr Hassan Abdul Rahman, who is director-general in the Health Ministry, Oriyen Nutri Grow (Boy) Orange Drink Premix, 330g product (code : 36135) from Cosway (M) Sdn were found to contain DEHP, whereas Oriyen Nutri Grow (Girl) Cranberry Drink Premix, 330g product (Code : 36136) is safe.

These two pages provide a list of products affected
List-1 (http://moh.gov.my/news/1115) / List-2 (http://fsq.moh.gov.my/v2/uploads/wfd_13084653344dfd98b656e15--gambar_produk_minuman_import_dari_taiwan-sehingga_18_jun_2011.pdf) from MOH for more details.

2. Taiwanese syrup used in bubble tea found to be DEHP contaminated (http://thestar.com.my/metro/story.asp?sec=nation&file=/2011/6/17/nation/20110617211015)
'Strawberry Syrup' manufactured by T & M Resources Corporation and imported by Elegant Solution Trading has been banned

Chuang's Square Cookies; and,
Natural Beauty Drink Powder, and Natural Beauty Fruit and Vegetable Powder were found to be contaminated with DEHP.