Tea Sold In Over 20 States Recalled Over Hepatitis Risk

A company is recalling a certain tea product distributed in 23 states because it may be contaminated with Hepatitis A. The move is associated with the outbreak investigation linked to organic strawberries.

The recall affects "Urban Remedy Organic Revitalizing Tea Tonic Strawberry Hibiscus Rose" as they may contain organic strawberries that have been linked to a Hepatitis A outbreak being investigated in the U.S. and Canada, as per the company announcement shared on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) website.

There have been 17 illnesses and 12 hospitalizations linked to the outbreak in the U.S., with most of the cases being in California. Ten laboratory-confirmed cases have also been logged in Canada as of June 2.

The FDA, sharing news of the outbreak in May, noted that investigations and traceback data showed the strawberries were the "likely source" of illnesses.

In the case of the recalled Urban Remedy tea, however, no illnesses have been reported from consuming the product. However, customers who may have bought it are urged to not consume it. Instead, they should either dispose of it or return it to where they bought it for full credit.

Those who have already consumed the product they bought are being advised to contact their health care provider to find out if they are up to date on their vaccine, while those who develop Hepatitis A symptoms should "immediately" call their local health department.

Some symptoms to watch out for include jaundice, dark urine, fatigue, nausea, abdominal pain and pale stool. The illness may occur from 15 to 50 days after consuming the contaminated food or drink.

According to the FDA, "all people" are susceptible to Hepatitis A, except for those who have been vaccinated or had it before; they are "immune" to the infection.

The recall affects "Urban Remedy Organic Revitalizing Tea Tonic Strawberry Hibiscus Rose" with UPC 813377025831, Lot 1232, and Best By date of 7/17/2022. They came in 12-oz plastic bottles and were distributed in various retail stores in Arizona, California, Colorado, Illinois, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, Nebraska, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming in May.

"At Urban Remedy, food safety is our company's top priority," CEO Paul Coletta said in the company announcement.

Those who may have questions about the recall may contact the company at (855) 875-8423.