On 18/10, a Phe La representative stated that the company had recalled and ceased using plastic spoons advertised as "reusable" at its tea shops. The company implemented the plastic spoon recall following reports of discrepancies in the product's material composition.

Observations on the same afternoon at several of the brand's shops in Hanoi showed that the plastic spoons served with drinks had been replaced with a different type, without any environmental friendliness claims.

According to Phe La, the company conducted independent tests and worked with its supplier, reviewing the process for evaluating and controlling product components. The company also urged customers to stop reusing its plastic spoons.

The beverage chain stated that its promotional claims were based on documentation, product samples, and test results provided by the manufacturer. While Phe La had tested the plastic spoons, it had not tested the material composition. However, the supplier confirmed that these spoons met food safety and hygiene standards.

A Phe La representative said that the company is still verifying information with relevant parties and therefore cannot provide a timeline for announcing the inspection results.

Left: Phe La beverages served with plastic spoons advertised as reusable, 8/2026. *Screenshot from Phe La video*

Right: Phe La beverages served with new plastic spoons, 18/10. *Bao Bao*

Previously, the beverage chain promoted its plastic spoons as biodegradable and encouraged reuse. In late 9, a user submitted the product for testing at Technical Center for Standards, Metrology and Quality 3, which revealed the material composition to be polystyrene (PS).

PS is a single-use plastic, coded number 6, found in rigid forms (used in spoons, stirrers) and expanded forms (EPS, used in foam containers). This material has poor heat resistance and is easily deformed. At high temperatures, this plastic can release styrene, a toxin classified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) as a probable carcinogen.

According to Beyond Plastics, an organization advocating for plastic pollution reduction, PS plastic is difficult to decompose in the environment, instead breaking down into microplastic particles that harm the environment and human health. PS is also challenging to recycle due to economic infeasibility, according to the United Nations Development Program (UNDP).

The director of a plastic manufacturing company stated that PS plastic originates from fossil fuels, contains no biological components, and cannot biodegrade or be reused.

Bao Bao