Popular Taiwanese Chun Cui He milk tea gets pulled off Singapore's shelves
SINGAPORE -- If you find your local convenience store out of insanely popular Taiwanese milk tea Chun Cui He, it's not because someone bought them all -- the bottled drink has just been pulled off the shelves.
According to Singapore's Agri-Food & Veterinary Authority (AVA), Chun Cui He -- also known as "Just Drink- Milk Tea" contains the food additive L-theanine that is banned in food and beverages in the country.
On Tuesday, AVA posted on its Facebook page an explanation on the recall.
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The post said that L-theanine is an "organic compound" that is not listed as a permitted food additive under the Food Regulations of Singapore.
It assured those who had previously consumed the drink that it wasn't a food safety risk that led to the product recall. However, it advised those who had health concerns after consumption to consult a doctor.
7-eleven stocks two flavours of Chun Cui He, but only the original "milk tea" has been recalled. The "latte" version remains on shelves and will continue to sell at S$2.80 ($2) per bottle.
A spokesperson for the chain of stores told The Straits Times that customers with unconsumed bottles of the milk tea can return them at any store for a full refund.
Chun Cui He first arrived on Singapore's shores in early July and immediately enchanted the nation. According to several local news reports, the milk tea drink which came in bottles that look like shampoo, sold out nationwide within minutes.
The demand for the drink was so high that 7-eleven had to place a limit on the amount each customer could buy after receiving irate complaints from those who couldn't get their hands on the drink.
Chun Cui He's supplier in Singapore is now looking into getting the banned ingredient registered with the AVA. L-theanine is commonly found in green tea infusions and is what gives food an umami flavour. It is considered a safe ingredient by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
