Mercury Pellets Found in Famous Milk Tea... Was the Boyfriend Who Bought the Drink the Culprit?

Silver Pellets Found in Popular Milk Tea; Police Investigation Launched
Authorities: "Foreign Substance Was Added by the Buyer"
Online Speculation Points to the Boyfriend as Suspect

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As mercury granules, a type of heavy metal, were discovered in a beverage from a well-known milk tea chain, the police have launched an investigation. The case has become controversial in China after it was revealed that the victim's boyfriend is a prime suspect in the incident.

According to the South China Morning Post (SCMP) on May 9, a woman identified as A, who lives in Anhui Province, China, reported to the police after finding silver-colored granules while drinking a beverage from a popular milk tea franchise that her boyfriend had bought for her on April 27.

A explained, "The first few sips were fine, but as I continued drinking, I noticed small granules with a different taste from the tapioca pearls." After spitting out the hard, silver-colored granules, she assumed they were mercury and called the store to complain.

The store responded, "It is impossible for such an incident to occur during the manufacturing process," and advised her to report the matter to the police.

Subsequently, A reported the incident to the police and the local consumer association and made the details public online. Some internet users who learned about the case criticized the brand. As the controversy grew, the company stated, "We are taking the matter seriously and will cooperate with the police."

On April 29, the authorities announced the results of their investigation. The investigation team stated, "There were no issues with the store's ingredients or manufacturing process, and the foreign substance in the milk tea was confirmed to have been added by the purchaser." While the identity of the suspect was not disclosed in the announcement, there was speculation online that the suspect was the woman's boyfriend.

Although A did not show any health problems, mercury poisoning can have fatal consequences. Acute mercury poisoning symptoms include respiratory and digestive tract damage, rashes, chest pain, fatigue, and diarrhea.

In China, adding mercury to food constitutes the crime of "spreading hazardous substances." Those convicted face imprisonment for three to ten years and, in cases causing severe harm, may be sentenced to death.

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