22 June 2001
Timaru Man Charged
A TIMARU man has been charged with breaches of the Food Act 1981 relating to the sale and packing for sale of products
containing 1,4,butanediol.
1,4 butanediol is a chemical that can cause dangerously low respiratory rates, unconsciousness, vomiting, seizures and
death.
The prosecution follows a Ministry of Health and Police investigation which began in January, following reports of
people becoming unconscious as a result of taking product that contains 1,4 butanediol.
Deputy Director General Public Health Dr Don Matheson said a total of four charges had been laid under section 9 of the
Food Act 1981 in combination with section 11AA. The charges relate to the sale of product and the packing for sale.
The Timaru man will reappear in the Timaru District Court on 31 July.
The Ministry of Health investigation is continuing. No further comment can be made.
END
For more information contact: Hayley Brock, Media Advisor, ph: 04-496-2115 or 025-495 989 Internet address:
http://www.moh.govt.nz/media.html