SINGAPORE - Starbucks is recalling a range of limited edition ceramic mugs which contain excessive lead, after it failed tests by the Agri-Food & Veterinary Authority of Singapore (AVA).
Forty-four of the Watercolor Poppies ceramic mugs, priced at $17.90, were sold at selected Starbucks outlets in Singapore.
"During routine testing, this mug exceeded Singapore's leachable lead standard. As soon as we became aware of this, we stopped selling and removed the mug from our stores," Starbucks said in a notice on its Singapore website.
The international coffee chain asked customers who own the mug to return it for a full refund.
A Starbucks spokesman told My Paper that the mugs were supplied by a manufacturer based in Seattle.
The AVA explained on its website that lead is used in the glaze of traditional ceramics. If the pottery is not fired properly, the lead may not fuse to the earthernware, and may contaminate food.
The agency does routine checks on all imported ceramic ware.
Customers can contact the Starbucks Customer Care Line at 1800-782-7282 with any questions or email customer@starbucks.com.sg
