The Thai Food and Drug Administration was yesterday ready to confiscate Tazo Tea stored at a customs warehouse in Thailand, if the Thai subsidiary of Starbucks decided to import the product for sale in its coffee shops. The product is believed to contain ephedrine, a substance that can prompt heart attacks.

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If ephedrine is indeed found in the tea, the importing company would be liable to imprisonment of up to 20 years and a maximum fine of Bt400,000 (US$9,000). If Starbucks decides not import the tea, the FDA will drop its inquiry.


To see an earlier story on this subject, please click here.

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