Starbucks to Announce Position Today on Allegations Related to 'Summer Carry Bag'

Starbucks' Summer Carry Bag.

[Asia Economy Reporter Moon Hyewon] Starbucks Korea will release an official statement on the 28th regarding suspicions that a carcinogen was detected in the customer giveaway item 'Summer Carry Bag.'

Starbucks previously held an event from May 30 for about two months, where customers who purchased 17 beverages received one item, including the Summer Carry Bag, on a first-come, first-served basis.

However, recently, claims that formaldehyde was detected in this product have spread online, putting Starbucks' product safety management under scrutiny.

Formaldehyde is a substance with a pungent odor and toxicity, known to be emitted from various construction materials and cause sick building syndrome. The International Agency for Research on Cancer under the World Health Organization (WHO) classifies formaldehyde as a Group 1 carcinogen.

Starbucks stated, "We are verifying the facts through the product supplier," and explained, "Bags like the Summer Carry Bag are not subject to formaldehyde-related safety standards." However, as the controversy spread, since the 23rd, Starbucks has been exchanging this product for three beverage coupons upon customer request.

A Starbucks representative said, "We are organizing information regarding the detection of carcinogens and whether the company was aware in advance," and added, "We plan to officially inform customers today (the 28th)."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.