Local plice in south China's Guangdong Province have detained the owner of a food processing factory suspected of mixing an industrial chemical used to soften plastic with food additives, Xinhua reported.

Factory owner detained amid additive scare

This develops as the mainland's crackdown on Taiwan-originated food contamination continues.

Police confiscated 6 tonnes of food additives as well as 0.6 tonnes of raw materials during their raid to the company's factory in Dongguang City Wednesday, local food safety watchdog said.

The initial investigation shows that Yuyan Food Co. Ltd. imported raw materials suspectedly contaminated with industry chemical bis(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP) from its Taiwan partner.

The company, which started to operate in April 2009, produced about 3,000 kilograms food additives averagely every month. The products were mostly sold in the province, according to food safety officials.

DEHP is widely used as an industrial plasticizer in the manufacture of items such as medical tubing and intravenous bags. DEHP-contaminated food and drinks can lead to hormone disorders and potential cancer risks.

The Chinese mainland began the crackdown on DEHP-tainted foods after authorities in Taiwan announced this week that many food and drink products produced by the island's manufacturers were found to contain the chemical.

The General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine said that starting from June 1, the mainland will suspend imports of beverages, food products and food additives from Taiwan that are produced by companies suspected of using DEHP.

Only beverages, food products and additives produced by manufacturers that have been certified DEHP-free may be sold on the mainland market.

The food safety commission under the State Council, or China's cabinet, has ordered increased inspections and instant recalls for beverages, food products and additives contaminated with DEHP if they are found in factories, stores, or restaurants.

As of Thursday night, mainland importers have recalled more than 4,800 bottles of DEHP-tainted sports drinks from Taiwan.

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