Taiwan’s Consumers Foundation has released the results of a recent test conducted on 30 beverage cups, including those used for bubble tea, confirming that there were no signs of plasticizer contamination.
The tests, conducted in September 2024, aimed to address growing concerns about the potential risks of phthalate plasticizers from plastic beverage cups.
Samples were randomly purchased from various convenience stores, coffee shops, fast food chains, and bubble tea shops in Taipei and New Taipei, including tea, coffee, and milk tea drinks served in cups with inner coatings.
These cups were then tested for phthalate plasticizers, which are commonly used in plastics to enhance flexibility and are found in a wide range of household products, including adhesives and cosmetics.
While the World Health Organization (WHO) has classified DEHP, a type of phthalate plasticizer, as a potential carcinogen, the foundation’s test found no contamination in the beverages tested.
Taiwan currently does not have a maximum allowable limit for plasticizers in food, though the Food and Drug Administration issued guidelines in 2011 to help businesses manage plasticizer levels.
Despite the positive test results, the foundation recommended that consumers consider bringing their own cups for both environmental and safety reasons.
Additionally, it was suggested that beverage cup sealing films should include markings indicating their heat resistance temperature to ensure safety.
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