Sports drinks pulled in Taiwan

NBC News — Sports drinks were pulled off the shelves Thursday in Taiwan after the discovery of traces of a cancer-causing chemical. The chemical DEHP was found in a clouding agent often added to drinks to make them look thicker. Although DEHP was discovered in three sports drinks, more than 100 companies have been affected. Juice, jam, concentrated jelly, fruit and yogurt powder and more than 465-thousand sports drinks were recalled for further testing.

The chemical is banned in food in Taiwan and other parts of the world. The American Cancer Society lists it as one of 19 potential cancer-causing chemicals. Taiwan-based Yu Shen spice company makes the clouding agent and could have exported it to neighboring countries. Local media reported the spice company could face a more than ten-thousand dollar fine.