Source of banned industrial starch in food found
CNA 2013-05-26 12:12
Health authorities in Taoyuan county recently confiscated 390 kg of illegal starch from local street vendors. (Photo/CNA)
UPC Technology, a Taipei-headquartered chemical manufacturer and supplier, has been tracked down as a source of an banned industrial starch recently found in tapioca balls used in bubble tea drinks.
While talking about the investigation launched by Taiwan's Food and Drug Administration after the discovery of maleic anhydride in food products, Kang Jaw-jou, director-general of Taiwan's Food and Drug Administration (FDA) under the Department of Health, told reporters that so far, all the evidence indicates UPC Tech to be the main source.
Although several other chemical factories were alleged to have been involved in the food scandal, there was no evidence suggesting their involvement, he said.
According to Kang, the UPC-produced maleic anhydride, a chemical raw material, was sold to starch mills and downstream food processing factories via chemical suppliers.
The industrial starch was found to have been mixed with sweet potato flour and other types of flour used to make rice noodles, tapioca balls, taro balls and fish paste products called oden.
Investigators even found traces of maleic acid, a byproduct that indicates the use of the industrial starch, in a type of tofu.
Kang expressed suspicion that the Ting Hsiang brand of soy bean curd may have used the banned chemical additive to increase its jelly-like texture.
Ninety-nine starch suppliers that provide the ingredients used in popular drinks and hot pot dishes were listed as targets in massive food safety checks after the industrial starch scandal came to light on May 14.
The investigation remains ongoing, with investigators checking whether the banned industrial starch has been sold to underground food factories, according to the FDA.
Maleic anhydride is used in the production of food packing materials. It transforms into maleic acid when mixed with water, and is excluded from Taiwan's list of approved industrial starches for food products.
