In December 2025, an online user posted content claiming that beverages with high caffeine concentrations, such as those from the brand Chagee, were essentially skirting the edges of being quasi-drugs. Subsequently, the "Shanghai Anti-Drug" official account issued a clarification, stating that the caffeine in market beverages comes from natural ingredients or compliant additives and is subject to clear safety standards, adding that "discussing toxicity without considering dosage is irresponsible." Chagee responded by explaining that a cup of their freshly brewed tea, when calculated per 100ml, contains a caffeine content roughly equivalent to a latte and is significantly lower than an Americano. The company stated, "Our legal department has fully intervened and initiated legal proceedings to resolutely protect our rights in accordance with the law."

Today, February 28, 2026, there has been a new development in the case. The Shanghai Municipal Public Security Bureau announced that since the beginning of the year, Shanghai police have been deeply engaged in a special campaign to combat and rectify rumors involving businesses. To date, police have investigated 23 cases related to online corporate rumors and have taken legal action against 38 individuals. Among these, the Shanghai Changning District Public Security Branch recently solved a case involving rumors that a well-known tea beverage brand was "drug-related." During a discussion on a social media platform, an internet user surnamed Ren falsely claimed that the caffeine contained in the brand's drinks constituted a "quasi-drug" in order to attract attention and gain notoriety. The comment was widely shared, severely misleading consumers. Following this, relevant professional departments debunked the rumor, clarifying that caffeinated beverages on the market are subject to strict additive standards and urging the public not to believe the false "quasi-drug" information. Currently, the suspect, Ren, has been subjected to criminal compulsory measures according to the law.