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In mid-July, Starbucks launched a new set of drinks called Blended Energy Refreshers. The drinks “combine fruit-flavors, customizable caffeine levels and a smooth, frozen texture,” according to the company. (They’re basically supercharged slushies.) According to Starbucks Workers United, the blending powder used to make the drinks is causing respiratory issues for baristas.
Workers claim the powder, which is used to improve the drinks’ texture and prevent separation, can become airborne during use. As reported by International Business Times, baristas have complained of sore throats, coughing, and headaches after preparing drinks using the powder.
SBWU pointed to silica as the ingredient potentially causing issues. There are two forms of silica, only one of which is used in foods: silicon dioxide, a food-grade anti-caking agent, which is what the Starbucks powder contains. Then there’s crystalline silica, which is used in manufacturing things like glass and pottery, and in its dust form is linked to chronic lung disease and other respiratory issues. Starbucks clarified in a blog post that its product “does not contain crystalline silica and is safe for use in food.”
However, the union accused Starbucks of “dodging the issue entirely,” pointing out in a social media post that the blog doesn’t mention whether the product is safe to inhale. SBWU also says it has requested safety information on the powder, and demanded to meet with the company over the issue.
Photo by Angelica Reyes on Unsplash
