Starbucks Apologizes for "Carcinogens Detected in Summer Carry Bag"... Also Under Government Investigation (Comprehensive)

Official Apology Admits 'Negligent Inspection'... "We Bow Our Heads and Ask for Understanding"
Policy to Exchange with New Goods or Provide a 30,000 Won Equivalent Card
National Institute of Technology and Standards "Will Recall Products if Defects Are Confirmed"

Starbucks' Summer Carry Bag.

[Asia Economy Reporter Moon Hyewon] Starbucks Korea acknowledged and apologized on the 28th for the detection of carcinogenic substances in the Summer Carry Bag and announced a compensation plan to produce and provide new goods to customers who received the gift. The government also launched an accident investigation into the product on the same day.

In an apology statement released that day, Starbucks Korea said, "We are currently seeking comprehensive advice on formaldehyde from experts, academia, medical circles, related organizations, and academic journals. However, since there are no standards for bags, there are difficulties in authoritative interpretation regarding safety. We sincerely ask for your understanding."

According to the formaldehyde detection test results disclosed by Starbucks in the apology, the outer shell of unopened Summer Carry Bags showed formaldehyde levels ranging from 284mg/kg to 585mg/kg (average 459mg/kg), and the inner lining showed levels from 29.8mg/kg to 724mg/kg (average 244mg/kg).

For products opened for over two months, formaldehyde levels detected were 106mg/kg to 559mg/kg (average 271mg/kg) in the outer shell and non-detectable to 23.3mg/kg (average 22mg/kg) in the inner lining. Starbucks had previously commissioned a national professional accredited testing agency on the 22nd to conduct tests on 5 types and 6 samples of unopened carry bags (one each of Black, Pink, Red, Cream, and two of Green) and 4 types and 5 samples of products opened for over two months (one each of Pink, Red, Cream, and two of Green).

According to Starbucks, the formaldehyde standards for household textile products are set by the Electrical Appliances and Consumer Products Safety Control Act (hereinafter referred to as the Act) based on whether there is direct or indirect contact with the human body and the degree of continuous contact. The standard is 75mg/kg or less for innerwear and mid-layer clothing, and 300mg/kg or less for outerwear and bedding.

Starbucks bowed its head and said, "Our Summer Carry Bag is classified as ‘other products’ along with bags that are not worn directly, cushions, seat pads, or curtains, and thus is not subject to harmful substance safety requirements. Therefore, there were no related standards, which caused delays in interpreting the significance of the test results. Regardless of the reasons, we sincerely apologize."

Starbucks announced plans to provide newly produced goods to customers who exchanged 17 e-stickers for the Summer Carry Bag during the summer e-frequency event period. Additionally, if customers do not wish to receive the goods, Starbucks plans to credit 30,000 KRW to their Starbucks Reward Card online in bulk. Separately, customers who bring the Summer Carry Bag to stores will be able to exchange it for three free drink coupons until the 31st of next month.

The National Institute of Technology and Standards (hereinafter NITS) launched an investigation to verify facts and identify causes as consumer anxiety grew. The investigation includes requesting data submission from businesses and conducting product tests related to harmful substances. Based on the results, necessary safety measures will be implemented after expert review by the Product Safety Advisory Committee and others. NITS utilizes experts from industry, academia, and research institutes (existing committee members) as well as human hazard experts on harmful substances according to the Product Safety Basic Act and its operational guidelines.

NITS plans to take immediate actions such as product recalls and consumer safety usage guidance (in cooperation with the Korea Consumer Agency) if product defects such as illegalities are confirmed during the investigation.

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