"Bought Because It Was Cheap"... Daiso Recalls All Plastic Cups

Deemed Unsuitable Due to Exceeding Total Discharge Volume by 2.5 Times

The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) ordered a sales suspension after harmful substances exceeding the standard amount were detected in plastic cups sold at Daiso.

Photo by MFDS

On the 22nd, the MFDS announced that plastic cup products imported and sold by Aseong HMP, the largest shareholder of Aseong Daiso, were judged to be non-compliant with the total extractable amount standard, leading to a sales suspension and recall measures.

The product in question is a 280ml polypropylene-made Chinese 'PP cup,' in which the total extractable amount was detected at 74mg per liter, 2.5 times higher than the standard of 30mg per liter. The total extractable amount refers to the quantity of harmful substances such as polypropylene that can dissolve into liquids from the product. Non-compliance with the total extractable amount means that when food is placed in the container, the raw materials of the container leach into the food beyond the standard limit.

Daiso stated, "We plan to begin the recall from next Monday," and added, "Regardless of the purchase date, usage status, receipt possession, or whether the packaging is opened, customers can bring the product to any Daiso store nationwide for a refund."

Daiso has a history of non-compliance with the total extractable amount standard. Last year, the Chinese-made 'Disney paper straws,' which circulated over 1,500kg, became problematic. This product contained non-volatile substances exceeding the standard by more than 16 times. As a result, Aseong, a subsidiary of Aseong Daiso, received a seven-day business suspension for violating the Hygiene Products Management Act.

Photo by Daiso website

Toys used by children have also been problematic in the past. At the end of last year, 'Rina's Makeup Play,' which included a doll along with a doll's vanity and cosmetics, was found to have phthalate plasticizers exceeding the limit on the doll's face area. The standard is set at 0.1% or less, but the measured value was 0.64%, more than six times the standard. Phthalate plasticizers are environmental hormones that can cause endocrine disorders and are absorbed more easily through children's skin than adults', so their content is strictly limited to minimal amounts in children's products.