Starbucks (China) Company announced a recall of its stainless steel straws on Aug. 3. The recall is a safety precaution, and was mandated by the company's global headquarters.
According to the recall plan, filed with China's General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine, this type of straw was marketed as an accessory for a metal cup sold at the company's stores from Sept. 2013 to March 2016. A total of 54,557 cups of this kind were sold in the Chinese mainland.
Given the stiffness of stainless steel, there was an elevated risk of accidental injury if costumers, especially children, stumbled when using the cup, Starbucks explained. So far, four such incidents have been reported in the U.S. and Canada.
"After careful consideration, we have decided to recall this product. We would also like to advise our customers to not let children use the straw without adult supervision," said the beverage corporation.
Customers in China can exchange the stainless steel straw for a compatible plastic one at any Starbucks retail outlet in the Chinese mainland.
