Public urged not to consume Taiwanese energy drinks suspected to be contaminated

The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) today (May 25) urged the public not to consume for the time being three kinds of energy drinks produced in Taiwan which might have been contaminated with Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate/Bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP). The trade should immediately stop selling the affected products.

A spokesman for the CFS said, "The Centre today received notification from the Taiwanese authority that consignments of three kinds of drinks listed below had been distributed to Hong Kong."

(1) Product name: Speed Sports Drink 600ml
Manufacturer: Young Energy Source Co., Ltd
Quantity imported: 2607 boxes
Manufacturing date: April 7, 2011
Expiry date: February 14, 2013

(2) Product name: Speed Sports Drink (Lemon Flavour) 600ml
Manufacturer: Young Energy Source Co., Ltd
Quantity imported: 909 boxes
Manufacturing date: April 28, 2011
Expiry date: February 14, 2013

(3) Product name: Dong Nung 1000 Sports Drink (Yuet's
Sports Drink)(Translation)
Manufacturer: Young Energy Source Co., Ltd
Quantity imported: 800 boxes
Manufacturing date: April 29, 2011
Expiry date: March 21, 2013

It is understood that the origin of the problem is believed to be use of a clouding agent in the drinks which has been adulterated with DEHP, a plasticiser.

The spokesman said, "DEHP is a plasticiser often used in plastics. Long-term consumption at high level may affect the liver and the kidney, and even cause cancer."

The CFS has contacted one of the importers Jet Win Food Ltd which indicated that it was now recalling the affected products on its initiative. It has also set up a hotline (Tel: 2637 0646) for enquiries on products (1) and (2) as listed above, starting from tomorrow (May 26) during office hours.

The CFS will continue to investigate the incident, closely monitor the recall arrangements and collect samples of related products for testing.

The spokesman said, "The CFS has alerted the trade including distributors and major retailers of the incident. It will be in close liaison with the Taiwanese authority on the incident, monitor the situation and take appropriate follow-up actions."

Ends/Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Issued at HKT 23:12