Health code violation?

Well, the problem wasn’t the 7–11, it was the Rockstar. Unless the Rockstar was past its use by date. So you should call Rockstar and complain.

When you do, mention that you got two from the same store and they were both defective. It was probably that the drink was either bad or there was a problem with the entire batch. Of course, there is always the chance they’ll say you should shake them first to solve the problem.

@empress: Yes, I bought both at the same 7–11. I did shake the second one. The second was not past the expiry date. But I was thinking that there could be a problem with their fridges not being at the right temperature? Or something like that.

I would start with the assumption it is the drink not the store. It’s in a can after all. I think it is probably Rock Star’s problem as EmpressPixie said.

Keep the can because it probably has info on it to help them identify the batch. They will probably send you a coupon or two for a new product.

I doubt it is a problem with the refrigeration. Your local health department checks the temps on the refrgeration on a regular basis. I would write to the company that produces the drink. Also, as someone already suggested, keep the can for the info on it.

Rockstars don’t need to be kept cold. I’ve seen them for sale in the soda section of my local grocery in large packs, ergo I would say it is not something to do with the fridge.

Rockstar Roasted Energy & Coffee drinks list milk as an ingredient and are recommended to be served “super chilled”. In that respect, yes, they better indeed be kept refrigerated. I don’t see any reference to UHT on their web site.

It could be 7-Eleven’s fault for not refrigerating new stock. It could be the distributor’s fault for not refrigerating in the warehouse or during transport. And of course, it could be Rock Star’s fault at production time.

Get a free replacement at your local 7-Eleven. I doubt they’ll argue for a receipt unless you keep coming back over & over. If you want free samples, coupons, whatnot then write a clear email describing your repeated problem to rockstar@rockstar69.com.

Note also that they don’t sell the Roasted line of product on their online store. I’d guess it’d be due to difficulty shipping a refrigeration-required product in an economical manner.

canned milk doesn’t need to be refrigerated.

@Judi, I’m sorry… I cannot find any reference to “canned milk” other than evaporated and condensed milk… neither of which is used to produce Rockstar Roasted.

Obviously, Rockstar Roasted is packaged in a can… but that’s not quite the same thing, is it?

Rob, I feel like there is a difference between, “serve chilled” and “keep refrigerated”.

Powdered lemonade mix says, “serve chilled” but obviously it doesn’t need to be refrigerated.

Personally I rely on the manufacturer to write ”keep refrigerated” on the package if it needs to be kept refrigerated. If it just needs to be served chilled, then you can chill it any old time. In fact, the fact that it says chilled, to me, almost indicates that the buyer may or may not need to do the chilling themselves.

Another detail, in France, milk in grocery stores is treated and sold at room temperature. It isn’t called “canned” “evaporated” or “condensed” it’s just called “milk” but they treat it in such a way that it does not have to be refrigerated. I am told this is very common in Europe, but I have only been to France, so that’s the only country I can say it about with certainty. In light of this, I would posit that it need not have a descriptor to indicate that it not necesarily fresh milk that needs to be refrigerated.

That’s just my take on this particular nuance.

@La_chica, yah, try the UHT link in my post above. (Funny, in Germany, we always got our milk from refrigerated shelves.)

The querent explained that his second can of beverage was not past expiry date. Without knowing the intimate details of the production process, but realizing that actual milk is in the drink, I tend to think refrigeration would be a safe bet. Doesn’t matter, I can accede that point.

Regardless, the resolution is the same. Return it to point of purchase and/or complain to the manufacturer. Reporting to the local health code office is a possibility, too.

Agreed.

la chica
I have seen the milk product you are talking about that does not need refrigeration in the united states. It is, actually, milk. It is treated and packaged in a manner that eliminates the need to keep cold. Also, you are right about the difference between ‘keep refrigerated’ and ‘serve chilled’.