{"id":7743,"date":"2021-06-25T12:20:01","date_gmt":"2021-06-25T04:20:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thesmartlocal.com\/vietnam\/?p=7743"},"modified":"2021-08-05T10:12:57","modified_gmt":"2021-08-05T02:12:57","slug":"shady-bubble-tea","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/thesmartlocal.com\/vietnam\/shady-bubble-tea\/","title":{"rendered":"Hanoi Bubble Tea Ingredient Storage Facility Raided, Shady Products Found"},"content":{"rendered":"

Shady bubble tea ingredient facility raided in Hanoi<\/h2>\n
\n

Hanoi has just eased COVID-19 restrictions after several weeks, and it is understandable that its citizens have jumped at the opportunity to let their hair down. Thousands are flocking to get their long-overdue haircuts, satisfy their ph\u1edf<\/em> cravings, and of course, hit up bubble tea joints for those sweet, sweet cups of joy.<\/p>\n

But perhaps it\u2019d be wise to cut down on that last part for the time being. Just yesterday, authorities performed a check on a shady bubble tea ingredient provider in Hanoi, and discovered tons of unverified products kept in unsanitary conditions<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Let\u2019s take a look at some of the pictures taken during the raid \u2013 though consider yourself warned: you might lose your appetite for your favorite drink for a while.<\/p>\n

\n

Several tons of bubble tea ingredients of shady origins found<\/h3>\n
\n

\"shady
\nImage credit: Vietnam Directorate of Market Surveillance<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

On 24th June 2021, officers conducted a check on a bubble tea ingredient provider in Hanoi and uncovered several products that violated food hygiene and safety rules, according to the Vietnam Directorate of Market Surveillance<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"shady
\nImage credit: Vietnam Directorate of Market Surveillance<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

A spot check of the facility\u2019s 3 storage areas revealed several tons of bubble tea ingredients such as tapioca pearls, flavored syrups, and bubble tea powder bearing labels from well-known brands such as Gong Cha and Royal Tea. However, many of these were kept in unsanitary conditions.<\/p>\n

\"\"
\nImage credit: Vietnam Directorate of Market Surveillance<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

The report states that the facility\u2019s owner was not present at the time of the raid. Its staff managed to provide certain documents such as the business\u2019 registration certificate and customs declaration. However, they were unable to verify the origins of a large portion of its products.<\/p>\n

\n

Investigations are ongoing<\/h3>\n
\n

\"shady
\nImage credit: Vietnam Directorate of Market Surveillance<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

According to an official, the facility\u2019s owner has tried to avoid checks from the authorities on multiple occasions.<\/p>\n

\"shady
\nImage credit: Vietnam Directorate of Market Surveillance<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cThey are very clever in their violations. They mix documented products with undocumented ones, making the verification process difficult,\u201d this official said.<\/p>\n

Authorities have seized the ingredients and are working to trace down their origins.<\/p>\n

\n

Be careful with what you consume<\/h3>\n
\n

This isn\u2019t the first time shady consumable products have been found in Vietnam. Just last week, thousands of fake shampoo and perfume bottles<\/a> masquerading as products from respected brands were also found in Hanoi.<\/p>\n

The repeated incidents raise safety concerns. Perhaps it would do well for us to start paying more attention to where we buy our goods from.<\/p>\n

For more stories, check out:<\/p>\n