Menu in PET Containers Heated in Microwave Sparks Controversy
Theborn Korea Announces "Retraining for All Employees"
The coffee franchise brand 'Paikdabang' has apologized regarding the controversy over the use of plastic (PET) containers in microwaves.
A post appeared on an online community stating that Baekdabang served bread in plastic (PET) containers heated in a microwave. Screenshot from an online community.
On the 17th, Theborn Korea issued a statement saying, "We apologize for the complaints that occurred in the stores," and added, "This complaint happened due to a mistake by a new employee at the store despite having a manual."
Previously, a post on an online community caused controversy by claiming that Paikdabang heated bread in plastic containers in the microwave and served it. The author stated, "I asked to heat the bread, and the staff put the plastic container in the microwave, resulting in a deformed state," and "When I inquired with the headquarters, I was told this was the company policy."
However, the controversy intensified when it was revealed that the container was labeled 'PET.' According to the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, materials such as PET, melamine resin, phenol resin, and urea resin should not be used in microwaves. This is because harmful substances may be released during heating, and there is a risk of deformation.
Theborn Korea emphasized, "We have confirmed the related matter, sincerely apologized to the customer, and immediately refunded the menu item," adding, "We also sent a corrective action request to the store and conducted retraining for all employees to ensure compliance with the manual." They further stated, "We will make every effort to manage the stores thoroughly to prevent such complaints from recurring."
Baek Jong-won, CEO of The Born Korea, is attending The Born Korea IPO press conference held at Conrad Hotel in Yeouido, Seoul on the afternoon of October 28 last year. Photo by Kang Jin-hyung
Recently, noise surrounding Theborn Korea has continued. Starting with the controversy over price inflation of the 'Paik Ham Gift Set' sold at a discount before the Lunar New Year holiday, issues such as origin labeling, violations of the Food Sanitation Act, use of pesticide sprayers, and problems with the content of tangerine beer ingredients have emerged. The National Agricultural Products Quality Management Service reported that Theborn Korea falsely labeled the origin of agricultural processed products such as soy sauce and soybean paste and filed criminal charges for origin labeling violations.
Regarding these controversies, CEO Baek bowed his head. On the 13th, CEO Baek said in an apology, "I deeply feel a strong sense of responsibility and sincerely apologize for causing concern to many people due to various issues related to Theborn Korea."
He continued, "I am deeply reflecting on the unacceptable mistakes that occurred during the production and distribution processes," and said, "It was my fault for not carefully examining all the issues raised so far. I humbly accept the criticism given to me and promise to promptly improve all matters, including legal issues."
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