Starbucks Recalls 1.08 Million 'Summer Carry Bags' After Official Confirmation of Carcinogen Detection

Starbucks to Start 'e-Frequency' Event from the 10th
(Seoul=Yonhap News) Reporter Lee Jae-hee = On the morning of May 3rd, models posed with Starbucks' '2022 Summer e-Frequency' event products at the Starbucks Press Center store in Seoul. This event offers customers who purchase a total of 17 manufactured beverages, including 3 mission drinks, e-stickers that can be collected to redeem one of seven gifts on a first-come, first-served basis: three types of 'Summer Carry Bag,' two types of 'Summer Cozy Hoodie,' or two types of 'Summer Cabin Pouch.' May 3, 2022
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[Asia Economy Sejong=Reporter Lee Junhyung] Starbucks has decided to voluntarily recall the travel bag 'Summer Carry Bag' after carcinogens were detected.

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy announced that Starbucks will recall all Summer Carry Bags starting from the 11th. This is a follow-up measure after government investigations found the presence of formaldehyde, a Group 1 carcinogen, in the Summer Carry Bag. The Summer Carry Bag is a travel bag that Starbucks has provided as a limited summer gift to some customers since May.

Earlier, the National Institute of Technology and Standards began an accident investigation on the Summer Carry Bag at the end of last month. This was due to suspicions that the product contained formaldehyde, a Group 1 carcinogen. Analysis conducted by the institute in cooperation with the Korea Consumer Agency detected formaldehyde not only in the outer and inner materials of the product but also in the paper reinforcement.

Starbucks ultimately decided to recall all Summer Carry Bags provided to customers. Approximately 1.08 million Summer Carry Bags were given or sold to consumers by Starbucks since May. Starbucks must report the recall results to the government and undergo periodic inspections of the recall status. Consumers who possess the Summer Carry Bag can apply for the recall through the Starbucks recall registration website and customer service center.

The National Institute of Technology and Standards plans to conduct safety investigations on promotional items like the Summer Carry Bag to prevent similar cases. A representative from the institute stated, "We also plan to monitor the safety of similar products such as bags and curtains," adding, "We will make further efforts to ensure consumer safety."