The China Plastics Processing Industry Association has lodged a complaint over a TV show that called PET bottles carcinogenic, but the producers refuse to apologize.
The health-themed show, which aired on government-owned Beijing Television, claimed that bottles marked with a No. 1 at the bottom — PET bottles — contain toxic plasticizers that can leach out in a low-temperature environment such as in a refrigerator and may cause cancer.
A guest on the show also claimed that high density polyethylene food packaging contains a lot of plasticizers.
The show misinformed the public with false information about plasticizers, CPPIA said in a statement. Plasticizers are mostly used in flexible PVC products, CPPIA added, and plastic food packaging does not contain controversial phthalate plasticizers, using eco-friendly citric acid esters instead.
After CPPIA sent a formal complaint letter, the producers came to meet with CPPIA in the association's office last month. But the producers insist that they have scientific evidence to back up the claims.
“We are not here to apologize, but rather offer an explanation and communication regarding your letter. Our opinions are backed up by theories, and we hope to explain these controversial issues.”
According to CPPIA, the producers brought English-language literature supporting their claims. However, they refused to give a copy of all materials to CPPIA.
“We think our opinions are fine, not incorrect, just different views,” one producer said.
CPPIA said the industry abides by the hundreds of plastics-related laws and regulations set by the Chinese government. “Plastics products are safe, as long as they are produced in compliance with regulations.
“The irresponsible [programming] has caused substantial damage to the plastics industry, and we reserve the right to take further action,” said Ma Zhanfeng, CPPIA secretary general.
