Core Viewpoint - A well-known chain coffee brand has labeled its organic Pu-erh tea with a 100-year shelf life, causing confusion among consumers regarding the validity of such a claim [1][4]. Group 1: Shelf Life and Storage Conditions - The shelf life of tea is not a fixed value and depends on the type of tea and storage conditions [3]. - For post-fermented teas like Pu-erh, the national standard GB/T 22111-2008 states that they are suitable for long-term storage under proper conditions, but this does not equate to an indefinite shelf life [3]. - The optimal shelf life for Pu-erh tea is around 10 years, with quality improving over time within this period [3]. Group 2: Legal and Regulatory Aspects - The labeling of a 100-year shelf life is deemed illegal and lacks scientific support according to legal experts [4]. - The Product Quality Law mandates that product labels must be truthful, and businesses are responsible for the accuracy of such claims [4]. - There is currently no scientific method to verify that tea can be stored for 100 years without degradation [4]. Group 3: Consumer Rights and Recommendations - Consumers can seek redress by contacting the seller for explanations regarding the 100-year shelf life claim and may request refunds if unsatisfied [5]. - If the seller refuses to comply, consumers can file complaints with consumer associations or market supervision departments [5]. - It is advised that consumers focus on clear labeling of production dates, storage conditions, and standards when purchasing tea, rather than being misled by claims of extended shelf life [5].

Core Viewpoint - The recent controversy surrounding COSTA's organic Pu'er tea product, which claims a shelf life of 100 years, raises questions about food safety and marketing practices in the tea industry [1][7]. Group 1: Product Details - Consumers reported that the packaging of COSTA's organic Pu'er tea indicates a production date of October 1, 2025, and an expiration date of October 1, 2125, suggesting a shelf life of 100 years [1]. - The product is priced at 53 yuan for a net weight of 35 grams, with the detail stating that under proper storage conditions, Pu'er tea is suitable for long-term preservation [3]. Group 2: Expert Opinions - Food industry analyst Zhu Danpeng noted that there are no unified national regulations on the shelf life of tea, and while certain teas like Pu'er may have longer shelf lives, improper storage can lead to spoilage and food safety risks [7]. - Zhu also criticized the 100-year shelf life claim as a marketing gimmick, stating that even teas stored for decades can deteriorate significantly [7]. - Lin Zhi, director of the Tea Research Institute of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, stated that the optimal shelf life for Pu'er tea is around 10 years, and the concept of "the older, the better" only applies within this timeframe [7]. Group 3: Legal Perspectives - Lawyer Chen Yanhong highlighted that while there is a consensus that Pu'er tea can be stored long-term, the claim of a 100-year shelf life lacks scientific validation and exceeds safe limits for food products [9]. - The labeling of the product may mislead consumers regarding its preservation period, potentially violating laws that require food labels to be truthful and accurate [9].

Group 1 - The article discusses a consumer complaint regarding a COSTA organic Pu-erh tea product that has a production date of October 1, 2025, and a shelf life of 100 years, raising questions about the validity of such a long shelf life [2] - Customer service representatives from the COSTA coffee flagship store stated that the tea can be stored for a long time if kept properly, but did not provide details on how the shelf life was determined or if there were any certifications [2] - The article mentions that the Pu-erh tea is categorized into raw and ripe tea, with ripe tea undergoing a fermentation process that makes it milder in taste compared to raw tea [4] Group 2 - It is reported that raw Pu-erh tea has better storage capacity and can improve in flavor over time, but the optimal shelf life is only about 10 years, and the concept of "the older, the better" applies only within this period [5] - The article highlights that only high-quality products stored under appropriate conditions can improve in quality over time, and poor initial quality or improper storage will not yield better results regardless of storage duration [5] - The history of COSTA, which began in 1971 in London and was acquired by Coca-Cola in 2019, is briefly mentioned, along with the introduction of ready-to-drink coffee and tea products under the brand [5]