Timaru Man Faces Further Charges

The Timaru man at the centre of a Ministry of Health and Police investigation is to face more charges alleging further breaches of the Food Act 1981.

Acting Deputy Director General Public Health Dr Bob Boyd said as a result of the continuing investigation a total of twenty charges had now been laid under section 9 of the Food Act 1981 in combination with section 11AA. The charges relate to the preparation for sale and sale of products containing 1,4 Butanediol.

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 a product that contains 1,4 butanediol.

1,4 Butanediol is a chemical that can cause dangerously low respiratory rates, unconsciousness, vomiting, seizures and death. Hospitals are still reporting that people are presenting with symptoms apparently due to an overdose of 1,4 Butanediol.

The Timaru man will reappear in the Timaru District Court on 31 July.

The Ministry of Health is repeating its warning to the public not to consume any products containing 1,4 butanediol (One4b) or gamma hydroxy butyrate (GHB, GBH or Fantasy).

It is also warning against use of associated chemicals such as sodium oxybate and gamma butyrolactone (GBL).

The Ministry of Health investigation is continuing. No further comment can be made.

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