Starbucks lids in Taiwan to be changed after failing heat test

Starbucks in Taiwan said it was planning to replace its polystyrene lids - known as No 6 lids - at all stores after the coffee cup covers appeared to melt in 90-degree heat, potentially a health risk, media reported on Tuesday.

President Starbucks Coffee, a joint company of Starbucks Coffee International and Taiwan’s Uni-president Enterprises, said it was testing the safety of lids made of more robust polypropylene, which will replace polystyrene lids at the end of September, Taiwan's China Times reported. 

The measure was in response to a study that found Starbucks was among 13 catering businesses in Taipei to be using coffee cup covers that had failed a heat test.

Starbucks in Hong Kong also use No 6 lids, but they exceed all government safety standards, said a spokeswoman representing the company. Lids used in mainland stores were also said to be in line with national food safety standards, said a spokesman at Starbucks' mainland office, who did not elaborate further.

When the Taipei Department of Health tested Starbucks' No 6 lids, the shape became distorted in 90-degree heat. Health experts interviewed by media warned that polystyrene products may release potentially toxic chemicals, such as cancer-causing benzene, if they are found to have shape distortions.

The health department pointed out that coffee is usually sold between 57 to 78 degrees and standard use of the cups should not result in distortion, but it still urged the tested companies to remain cautious when selecting cup lids, recommending polypropylene.