Most coffee chain stores in metropolitan Taipei were found to be unhealthy, with many being smoky or noisy, or their coffee products coming with creamer containing health-threatening trans fats, a survey released by the Common Health monthly journal showed yesterday.
The survey was conducted between May 25 and June 8 among branches of eight large cafe chains in Taipei, including McCafe, Dante Coffee, IS Coffee, Barista Coffee, Mr. Brown Coffee, Ikari Coffee, Starbucks and Doutor Coffee.
Whether the establishment had banned smoking was the leading indicator in determining whether a healthy dining environment was provided, the magazine said.
The survey shows that only Starbucks and McCafe had a comprehensive "no-smoking" ban, while Mr. Brown allows smoking in semi-open spaces on its smoking floor, which is separate from its non-smoking customers.
As for Doutor, IS, Ikari and Dante, the survey found that they enclosed a smoking zone in the innermost corners of their shops. Such measures ultimately allow tobacco smoke to cover the entire shop, said Han Po-cheng (韓柏檉), a professor at Taipei Medical University who was invited to review the investigation.
The poll showed that Starbucks has the best no-smoking spaces, while Mr. Brown has the most comfortable space for customers and Ikari provides the greatest variety in meals.
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