A chain store of popular Chinese dessert brand MIXUE open in November 2022 in a downtown area in Nanjing, East China's Jiangsu Province. Photo: The Beijing News

The Internet-famous Chinese dessert brand MIXUE became a trending topic on China's Twitter-like Sina Weibo on Wednesday, the annual World Consumer Rights Day, as two of its chain stores were found using expired jams and inadequate amount of ingredients to make fruit teas.

The fresh ice cream and tea brand was quite popular among Chinese consumers for its cost-effective taste with an average price of about seven to eight yuan (roughly $1.1), which is relatively lower than other bubble tea stores that typically sell a cup of drink for nearly 20 yuan on average.

According to MIXUE's prospectus published on China Securities Regulatory Commission, by the end of March 2022, the brand had the largest number of stores among other fresh tea brands, with over 21,000 stores across China.

A reporter from the Beijing News conducted undercover investigations in two chain stores located in the city of Nanjing in East China's Jiangsu Province in November 2022. One store was located in a residential area, while the other was situated in a bustling area with several shopping centers nearby.

Upon being hired by the two stores without presenting a health certificate as required by the Food Safety Law, the reporter found that both store managers instructed shop assistants to change the sell-by date of multiple items, including jams, red beans, cheese, and oats, in order to make use of expired materials in making tea.

Additionally, regarding the only fresh fruits used to make teas, oranges and lemons, assistants were instructed to use less than the amount required by the brand's regulations.

After the report was released, the local market regulation authority in Nanjing conducted an investigation into the two stores, requiring them to make corrections and they will receive punishment in accordance with the law.

A netizen commented on Weibo, "The head office checks each chain store from time to time, but the chain store will always find ways to remain undiscovered in their violations." Another netizen said, "I just wonder if the high-priced bubble tea stores will do the same things."

Global Times