Experts call for safer foodstuffs in wake of poisoning

In the wake of a shocking beverage-poisoning incident, experts and industry veterans yesterday called on manufacturers and retailers to strengthen risk management, and consumers were advised to stay alert when purchasing foodstuffs.

Hosted by the General Chamber of Commerce (全國商總) and the Chinese National Federation of Industries (工總), more than 30 representatives from retail channels, industry associations and consumer advocates attended the seminar to review the sales mechanisms of food and beverages.

Chen Lu-hung (陳陸宏), director of the Cabinet-level Department of Health's Food Safety Bureau, praised Paolyta Co's (保力達) responsible attitude to announce a nation-wide recall of its two famous products.

As the incident highlights social problems while the manufacturer's production process is flawless, Chen urged that a set of standard operating procedures should be established between industry associations and members to quickly respond to similar incidents. Retailers should also host drills and strengthen personnel training to reduce the damage.

According to Paolyta's estimates, the 50-year-old company has suffered initial losses of NT$120 million (US$4 million) by recalling and destroying the affected drinks Bullwild (蠻牛) and Paolyta B (保力達B), excluding losses to the company's reputation and factory shutdowns until the suspects are hunted down.

The Consumers' Foundation (消基會) suggested that manufacturers develop new packaging technology so that the food products cannot be repackaged after being opened.

Salespeople should also reinforce shelf inspections to avoid criminals from placing poisonous products on open shelves.

"To uphold food safety, salespeople's crisis management skills should be enhanced. Since they are capable of detecting counterfeit bills, they also have the obligation to examine whether the products they sell are intact," said Jason Lee (李鳳翱), the foundation's chairman.

Sophia Lee (李淑慧), secretary of Taiwan Confectionery, Biscuit and Floury Food Industry Association (台灣區糖果餅乾麵食公會), advised that consumers pay more attention to what they buy.

"Consumers should have a habit of checking the label and packaging when making purchases. After opening the foodstuffs, they had better check the color and take a smell first since they are usually familiar with the products they buy," she noted.

While showing appreciation for government and corporate support, Lee Chuan-che (李權哲), manager of Paolyta, expressed hopes that the public would give more encouragement to help the legal company weather the crisis until Paolyta can start selling its products again.

"We also hope that retailers can improve their store management to minimize damage," Lee said.

Several bottles of Paolyta's Bullwild energy drink were found to be laced with cyanide and put back on convenience store shelves beginning on Tuesday night. The incident has left one dead and three hospitalized.