China’s largest bubble tea chain, Mixue, has come under scrutiny after allegations surfaced that one of its stores in Hubei province used stale lemon slices stored overnight at room temperature for its popular lemonade drink.
In addition, flies and insects were reportedly spotted on the lids of the cups, prompting a media investigation.
The store’s manager has admitted to neglecting standard operating procedures, and local regulators have launched an investigation into the branch. Despite Mixue’s claims that its lemonade is made with fresh, premium lemons and any unused lemons are discarded daily, these allegations have raised concerns over the chain’s food safety practices.
Mixue’s lemonade is one of its bestselling drinks, contributing to the brand’s rapid rise since its trading debut on March 3, which saw its stock price soar by 43%. With over 45,000 locations worldwide, Mixue has quickly surpassed industry giants like Starbucks and McDonald’s.
However, its fast-paced expansion, largely through franchising, has also led to operational challenges, particularly in food safety.
In 2024, 16 franchise locations were flagged for food safety violations, and Mixue has received over 8,700 complaints regarding food safety issues as of February 2025. While its low-price strategy and self-produced materials have fueled its growth, they have also raised concerns about maintaining consistent quality across its vast network of stores.
This is not the first time Mixue has faced criticism. In June, a viral video allegedly showed an employee washing their feet in the kitchen sink, though Mixue later explained that the employee was using cold water to treat a burn.
As Mixue continues to dominate the global food and beverage scene, experts note that the brand’s challenges highlight the complexities of balancing rapid growth with maintaining high food safety standards.
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