Flying Tiger 220ml glass cups pulled from UAE market after ministry finds high lead and cadmium in printing
UAE Ministry of Economy and Tourism urges consumers to stop using Flying Tiger 220ml glass cups sold in 2024 and 2025 after tests found high lead and cadmium in the external print.
The Ministry of Economy and Tourism issued an immediate safety notice on April 21, 2026, calling on consumers across the UAE to stop using Flying Tiger 220ml glass cups that circulated during 2024 and 2025. The ministry said the affected items were identified by specific batch and item numbers listed in its official post on the X platform. Consumers were told to discontinue use and to dispose of the cups to avoid potential health risks.
Ministry Issues Immediate Safety Alert
The ministry posted the safety alert through its verified X account on April 21, 2026, emphasizing consumer protection as the reason for the advisory. It said the announcement followed laboratory testing and included the exact product identifiers for the affected Flying Tiger 220ml glass cups. Officials urged the public to refer to the ministry’s official channels for the full list of item numbers and further instructions.
Affected Products and Distribution Periods
The cups in question are 220 millilitre glass cups sold under the Flying Tiger brand and reportedly distributed in the UAE market during 2024 and 2025. The ministry’s notice specified that only certain numbered batches are affected, and it recommended consumers compare any cups in their possession against the published identifiers. At this stage the advisory applies only to the external-print variants that match the listed numbers, rather than all Flying Tiger glassware.
Laboratory Findings Show Elevated Lead and Cadmium
According to the ministry, testing revealed that the external printing on the identified cups contains elevated concentrations of lead and cadmium. The ministry did not disclose the full laboratory report in its post, but it stated the detected levels exceed permitted safety thresholds for consumer products. The presence of these metals in surface printing raises concerns about transfer to hands or food and drink under normal use.
Health Risks Associated with Lead and Cadmium
Lead and cadmium are toxic heavy metals known to pose risks to human health, particularly with repeated or prolonged exposure. Lead exposure can affect neurological development in children and cause cardiovascular and kidney problems in adults, while cadmium can damage kidneys and bones and is classified as a human carcinogen in certain exposures. The ministry highlighted that vulnerable groups, including young children and pregnant women, should take special care to avoid contact with contaminated items.
Guidance for Consumers and Disposal Advice
Consumers who own Flying Tiger 220ml glass cups are being asked to immediately stop using them if the product matches the batch numbers released by the ministry. The advisory instructs households to dispose of affected cups so they are not used for food or drink, and to avoid attempts to remove or scrub the external printing. The ministry also encouraged consumers to follow updates on its official channels for advice on safe disposal procedures and any recall logistics that may follow.
Regulatory Follow-up and Industry Responsibilities
The Ministry of Economy and Tourism indicated it will coordinate with relevant authorities, importers and retailers to address the issue and ensure public safety. Retailers and distributors who sold the affected Flying Tiger 220ml glass cups may be contacted by regulators for information on supply chains and point-of-sale records. The ministry’s action underscores ongoing regulatory oversight of product safety standards in the UAE market.
Consumers seeking confirmation of whether their cup is affected should consult the ministry’s post for the exact item numbers and monitor official channels for any additional measures, including possible refunds or returns. The ministry’s announcement on April 21, 2026, serves as the authoritative source for the current advisory and any subsequent instructions.