Model suspects DEHP-tainted laxative may have caused her cancer

2011/05/26 Taipei, May 26 (CNA) A professional fashion model said Thursday that she may have developed cancer from long-term use of a product contaminated with the plasticizer DEHP, which was recently found in bottled drinks and other beverages in Taiwan. Huang Chen-chieh, 32, wife of Kaohsiung Councilor Chen Cheng-wen, told the media that she had late-stage colorectal cancer, which may have been caused by taking a laxative drink that was found to contain the carcinogen DEHP. Huang said she had taken the mild powdered laxative every day for seven years except when she was pregnant to maintain regular bowel movements. At a news conference, she said she had maintained a healthy lifestyle that included a healthy diet -- no fried or spicy foods -- and had not been taking any medicine or nutritional supplements, except for the laxative. She said she had been taking the powder -- described as an enzyme by its manufacturer Der Kang Biology Technology Co. -- on the recommendation of a Kaohsiung clinic. The product carried a safety inspection certificate issued by the Department of Health, she said. "It would be really unacceptable if I developed cancer from the DEHP-contaminated drink," she said. If that is the case, "I hope I'll be the last one in Taiwan to do so." Chen said his wife was diagnosed with colorectal cancer two weeks ago. They were both shocked to learn that the cancer was in the late stages and had metastasized to her lungs, liver and lymph nodes, he said. Huang has been having chemotherapy, he added. DEHP, used in the manufacture of plastic containers and related products, is not permitted for use as a food additive anywhere in the world. However, it was recently discovered in Taiwan that the substance was being widely used as an emulsifier in fruit jellies, yogurt mix powders, juices and other drinks. DEHP was being used in the emulsifier in place of palm oil, which is imported and more expensive, it was found. The DEHP-contaminated emulsifier had been supplied to several food and beverage manufacturers throughout Taiwan, the authorities said. Chen said he had filed a complaint with the Kaohsiung City government after he learned that the laxative drink produced by Der Kang Biology was among the products suspected of containing DEHP. He said he and his wife had no intention of seeking compensation but would like the relevant government agencies to investigate Huang's case to determine whether her cancer had resulted from long-term use of the laxative. Meanwhile, a Der Kang spokesman said Thursday that his company had referred the matter to a corporate law firm for possible resolution.