The Plate Whose Design Dissolved on Contact with Food... Entire Batch Recalled for Excessive Heavy Metals

Cadmium Detected at Over Six Times the Standard Limit
Subway Halts Promotional Gift Distribution, Offers Voucher Compensation

The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety has initiated a recall after heavy metals exceeding the standard limits were detected in the "Lobster Plate" promotional gift provided by Subway to customers who purchased its limited winter menu.

Subway promotional plates were completely recalled after detecting heavy metals exceeding the standard limits. Photo by Ministry of Food and Drug Safety

On December 4, the Ministry announced that cadmium, a heavy metal, was found at levels far above the standard (0.7㎍/㎠ or less) in "table glassware (OPAL GLASSWARE)" plates imported and sold by SRG, an imported food sales company. According to a detailed inspection conducted by the Gyeongin Regional Office of the Ministry, the cadmium concentration in the product ranged from a minimum of 4.2㎍/㎠ to a maximum of 5.3㎍/㎠, which is more than six times the standard limit.

The recall targets a total of 160,000 plates (44,800 kg) manufactured by SHULOPAL (GUANGZHOU) CO., LTD in China. The Ministry has immediately halted sales of the product and ordered a swift recall of items already distributed in the market. Consumers who purchased the product have been urged to stop using it and return it to the place of purchase.

In particular, the Ministry revealed that SRG had submitted photos of other companies' products in an attempt to avoid detailed inspections during the import declaration process. As a result, the authorities stated that they plan to take strong measures, including administrative penalties and prosecution.

Subway's official apology posted on the official website. Subway official website

The problematic plate is the same product that the sandwich franchise Subway offered on a first-come, first-served basis to customers who purchased the "Lobster Sandwich Collection," a limited winter menu, last month. Previously, some consumers left reviews stating that "the printing comes off easily just by washing or contact with sauce," sparking controversy and raising concerns online about the product's safety and quality control.

As criticism of the product continued, Subway posted an official apology on its website, stating, "Some of the lobster plates given out as gifts from November 18 to 24 were found to have product defects," and announced a complete suspension of the promotional giveaway. Customers who received the plate were informed that they would be provided with a sandwich voucher worth 8,000 won.

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