Good Earth Tea Voluntarily Recalls Limited Amount of Caffeine Free Original Blend Due to Possible Health Risk

MONTVALE, N.J., Oct. 26 /PRNewswire/ -- Good Earth Tea is voluntarily recalling a limited amount of its Caffeine Free Original blend due to the possible presence of salmonella, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy persons infected with salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In rare circumstances, infection with salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses such as arterial infections (i.e., infected aneurysms), endocarditis and arthritis.

Good Earth is issuing this voluntary recall notification out of an abundance of caution based on an instance discovered through routine microbial testing in which a minor ingredient had a positive result for salmonella.

This is a proactive, voluntary recall that is isolated to two retailers and to Caffeine Free Original blend only.

The affected blend was only distributed to a limited number of Costco retail locations in California, and Trader Joe's retail locations in California, Washington, Oregon, Nevada and Pennsylvania.  All affected product has been or is in the process of being removed from store shelves.  Good Earth is working closely with the FDA and its customers on this matter.

The tea subject to this voluntary recall is limited to the following blend having UPC Codes with Best By Dates of 18AUG12 to 02SEP12 respectively:  

• Good Earth Caffeine Free Original-25 count sold at Costco (UPC 2701830401); as part of the Costco 3-pack (UPC 27018 30169)
• Good Earth Caffeine Free Original-18 count sold at Trader Joe's (UPC 27018301356)

While no illness related to this voluntary recall has been reported to date, any potential health risk is significantly reduced when following the printed brewing instructions on the package. Consumers who have purchased these products should discard them or return them to the place of purchase for a refund.

Consumers with questions may contact the company at 1-888-625-8227 between 8am EDT and 8pm EDT, Monday to Friday.

SOURCE Good Earth Tea