55,000 Boxes of a Popular Tea Recalled Nationwide
Updated: May 16, 2024
The cited reason for the recall differs from most, and loyal fans of the brand will most likely be surprised to learn of this ingredient.
There’s something calming, reassuring, and therapeutic about sitting down with a cup of tea. Years of research have shown that tea has the potential to fight certain diseases and amplify health, and herbal teas in particular can provide that cozy self-investment feeling.
Apparently first reported by Eating Well, we’ve learned that one very recognizable tea company recently recalled one of their products because it may contain an ingredient that serves as a reminder of the nature of herbal tea.
Originating on March 12, 2024 Yogi Tea—whose website boasts “a selection of over 40 certified organic teas”—recalled 54,846 boxes of one tea variety because, as the US Food and Drug Administration has reported, “pesticide residues were detected above action levels.” The FDA’s announcement calls this a class III recall effective May 10, 2024 and says the product was distributed nationwide.
It’s not clear which pesticide chemicals may have been detected, but some horticulture experts suggest echinacea is in a unique position not to need pesticide treatment because it is its own natural insecticide and antimicrobial (in fact, its ability to fend off invaders may be why echinacea is known for immunity). One 2020 Portuguese pharmaceutical study stated that “there is still scarce information on its cytotoxic activity.” In other words, there’s not much existing research on how toxic some species of echinacea may be to cells. Based on the limited recall details, it’s also possible that the pesticide levels in the Yogi echinacea tea were naturally occurring.
The Yogi Tea product that’s affected is their Organic Yogi Echinacea Immune Support, Caffeine Herbal Supplement. The FDA lists the following product details for the recalled Yogi Tea, which appears to have been sold in two packaging configurations:
- Serving Size 1 tea bag, 16 tea bags per pack, 4 packs per box
- UPC on box: 0 76950 45010 3
- CASE GTIN (“global trade item number“): 60076950450105
- East West Tea Company, LLC, Eugene, Oregon
- 16 tea bags per pack, 6 Packs per box
- UPC on box: 0 76950 45010 3
- CASE GTIN: 20076950450107
Lot numbers:
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It does not appear from Yogi Tea’s website or Instagram that they have announced the recall, and the FDA says no press release was issued. Yogi Tea says their customer service line is reachable at 1-800-964-4832, and they offer a customer service contact form on their site.
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