A recent report has raised concerns about bubble tea: once opened and left out for just two hours, some drinks were found to contain excessive bacteria, including coliforms.
Bubble tea is best enjoyed as soon as possible — the longer you take to finish it, the more bacteria may grow. A test by the Shanghai Consumer Council found that after being opened and left for 2, 4 and 6 hours, several popular milk teas showed a clear rise in bacterial counts.
Drinks with simpler ingredients had lower levels, while those with more toppings and mixed ingredients could reach hundreds of thousands of CFU/mL after several hours.
Freshly made bubble tea is not sterile to begin with. Unlike bottled drinks, it usually does not go through strict sterilization, so bacteria may enter through the air, ingredients, ice, tools or cups.
The amount may be low at first, but once the drink sits out, especially after someone has drunk directly from it, bacteria from the mouth can flow back into the cup and multiply quickly in its sugar, protein-rich environment.
Three tips to keep your milk tea from becoming unsafe to drink
1. If you can't finish it within 2 hours, put it in the fridge and cover it tightly with plastic wrap.
2. If you haven't finished it within 2–4 hours, heat it for 1–3 minutes (until the center temperature reaches above 70°C), then let it cool to a drinkable temperature before consuming.
3. If it has been over 4 hours (or left open in a car or at your desk for more than 2 hours), or if you notice any changes in smell, taste, or appearance, just throw it away.
Related News:
Hot weather showering mistakes that could trigger heart attack or stroke
Heatwave hits! How to save the most electricity when using air conditioning this summer
Comment