Customer finds cockroach in bubble tea; health bureau orders store to improve hygiene

A customer in Keelung, Taiwan, has accused a local beverage shop of serving him bubble tea containing a cockroach, sparking a hygiene investigation. The customer, identified by the surname Chang, posted on social media alleging he discovered the insect after drinking about half of his honey milk tea with pearls.

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I found a cockroach.

Chang stated he purchased two drinks on August 6 and returned to the shop to request more sugar. After the drinks were re-mixed and sealed, he consumed them at home later that evening. He claims he noticed a dark object in the cup and, upon removing the seal, found a cockroach.

He reported the incident to the store, which offered a refund and an apology. However, Chang was dismayed when the shop's employee allegedly responded to his social media post by implying he had added the cockroach himself. The shop's owner later commented on Google Reviews, apologizing for the inconvenience and stating that the store undergoes monthly cleaning and disinfection, and that the cockroach was not visible during preparation or resealing.

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The store's employee responded to his social media post by implying he had added the cockroach himself.

The Keelung City Health Bureau conducted an inspection of the premises but did not find any cockroaches. However, inspectors identified several violations of food hygiene standards, including improper storage of ingredients and failure to remove waste promptly. The bureau issued a notice requiring the store to rectify these issues within a specified period. Failure to comply upon reinspection could result in a fine of NT$60,000 to NT$200 million.

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The health bureau issued a notice requiring the store to rectify these issues within a specified period. Failure to comply upon reinspection could result in a fine of NT$60,000 to NT$200 million.