Starbucks shuts two China outlets after reports they used U.S. coffee chain Starbucks had to close down two outlets in China and is investigating the issue after a state-backed newspaper reported that they used expired ingredients to make drinks, violating food safety rules.
“We take what was reported by local media very seriously, and have immediately closed the two stores in question to conduct a thorough investigation,” a Starbucks spokesperson said.
Since entering China 22 years ago, Starbucks has been committed to implementing strict food safety standards and adopt a ‘zero tolerance’ policy towards food safety issues.
Chinese consumers and media have become more aggressive about protecting customer rights and monitoring the behaviour of big brands, especially from overseas.
China is the largest market for Starbucks outside the United States with 5,360 stores as of Oct. 3, the firm’s latest earnings report showed. The Beijing News report said one of the Starbucks stores used expired Matcha liquid to make lattes, while another had put pastries up for sale that were meant to be thrown away.