Japanese broadcaster FNN said May 27 that summer barley tea spoils easily and requires strict hygiene to prevent food poisoning.
Proper storage is critical because high summer temperatures accelerate bacterial growth in the tea. If the beverage is not handled correctly, it can become a health hazard for households and workplaces across Japan.
To maintain safety, FNN said containers must be thoroughly washed and dried before use. The broadcaster also said against leaving tea bags in the liquid after the brewing process is complete, a practice that may contribute to spoilage.
These precautions are part of a broader effort to manage food safety during heat waves. Barley tea is specifically listed as one of five "NG" foods that should not be placed in a summer bento because it spoils so quickly [1].
Experts said that the combination of moisture and warmth creates an ideal environment for bacteria to thrive. By removing the tea packs and ensuring the storage vessel is sterile, consumers can reduce the risk of contamination.
“Summer barley tea spoils easily and requires strict hygiene to prevent food poisoning.”
The warning highlights the vulnerability of traditional staples to climate-driven health risks. As summer temperatures rise, the window for safe consumption of home-brewed beverages narrows, shifting the responsibility of food safety from commercial producers to the domestic consumer.
