Starbucks faces complaint in South Korea over bags with toxic chemicals

The giveaway bags were found to contain formaldehyde.

A Seoul-based nonprofit organization filed a complaint against Starbucks Coffee Korea in connection with giveaway picnic bags found to contain toxic chemicals, Yonhap reported.

A Seoul-based nonprofit organization, called the People's Livelihood Countermeasures Committee, said it reported Starbucks Korea CEO Song Ho-seop to the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency on charges of violating the Framework Act On Consumers.

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The company came under fire in July after formaldehyde, a carcinogen, was detected in "summer carry bags," which were given to customers who bought 17 drinks between May and early July. Some customers complained of skin diseases after using the bags, the group said.

Starbucks Korea apologized for the incident in late July and has been recalling the items. More than 1 million of these bags have been given out to customers, the company said.