Taiwan

Taiwan food addictive maker charged with 25 years

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2011-06-16 10:56

TAIPEI - Prosecutors in Taiwan Wednesday indicted the owner of Pin Han Perfumery Co, one of the two companies found mixing toxic plasticizers into clouding agents and tainting a large number of beverage and food.

Prosecutors in Xinbei city demanded 25 years of imprisonment and a fine of 10 million New Taiwan dollars (about $352,000) for Chen Che-hsiung.

Chen allegedly added DINP, a toxic plasticizer, in clouding agents, which were commonly used as food additives in beverage, food and dietary supplements.

His wife Wang Fen and two sons were also charged.

The prosecutors requested a 20-year term and a fine of 8 million NT dollars for Wang.

The two sons, Chen Wei-cheng and Chen Wei-chuan were sought against with 15-year and 10-year sentences plus fines of 5 million and 3 million NT dollars respectively.

On Monday, another key figure in the plasticizer contamination scandal were indicted for mixing DEHP plasticizer in clouding agents.

Pprosecutors in Changhua County indicted Lai Chun-chieh, the owner of Yu Shen Chemical Co., and demanded a prison term of 25 years and a fine of 10 million NT dollars.

So far plasticizers have been found in sport drinks, juices, tea drinks, fruit jams, fruit syrups, jellies, dietary supplements and medicines.

According to the island's food and drug department, a total of 999 products were found tainted by plasticizers and 299 companies were involved by Wednesday noon.