Yahoo News Yogi Recalls Immune Support Tea After Reports of Pesticide Contamination
The FDA detected levels of pesticides high enough to prompt a swift recall.
Andrey Elkin/Getty Images
East West Tea Company, LLC, has issued a voluntary recall for its Organic Yogi Echinacea Immune Support Tea in the wake of an FDA report citing “pesticide residue detected above action levels.” The recall covers over 54,000 boxes, equaling nearly 900,000 individual tea bags.
While we don’t know the type or amount of pesticides detected, the FDA categorized the recall as a Class III. This distinction means that the FDA believes the presence of the pesticide is unlikely to cause health consequences if consumed.
Related: The New Dirty Dozen: See Which Produce Has the Most Pesticides
No injuries or adverse health events have been reported in connection with this recall so far, but the status of the report is ongoing. Despite its classification and voluntary status, consumers are encouraged to discard any tea involved in the recall.
The Organic Echinacea Immune Support Tea from Yogi is a popular variety touted for its immune-supporting properties. It contains black elderberry extract and mullein, herbs that Yogi says support respiratory function. It also has a blend of several other organic herbs, like echinacea, peppermint, lemongrass, fennel seed, and licorice root.
The affected teas were sold in sets with either four or six 16-bag boxes. The UPC number for the four-box set and six-box set is 0 76950 45010 3. A variety of lot numbers included in the recall are listed below.
Description | Lot Codes |
YOGI TEA ORG ECHINACEA IMMUNE 16 CT | Lot #0000184330, Lot #0000184853, Lot #0000185098, Lot #0000185100, Lot #0000185383, Lot #0000185385, Lot #0000185387, Lot #0000185389, Lot #0000185434, Lot #0000185436, Lot #0000185828, Lot #0000185830, Lot #0000185832, Lot #0000186519, Lot #0000186521, Lot #000184062, Lot #0000186900, Lot #0000186902, Lot #0000186904, Lot #0000187357, Lot #0000187359, Lot #0000187400, Lot #0000187402, Lot #0000187769, Lot #0000188028, Lot #0000188030, Lot #0000188045, Lot #0000188114, Lot #0000186600, Lot #0000186910, Lot #0000187155, Lot #0000184691, Lot #0000184963, Lot #0000185381, Lot #0000185518 |
The FDA has been diligent with its Pesticide Residue Monitoring Program in recent years. The program monitors, samples, and analyzes both domestic and imported foods, focusing on high-risk categories like produce to ensure that pesticide levels are below the designated action level.
By definition, the action level is an acceptable level of pesticides when there isn’t a specific EPA tolerance level. The action level for this (or any) recall is not legally binding, but according to the FDA, they can take action on a case-by-case basis, regardless of the exact action level of a pesticide.
While an official press release has not been released for this recall, it was initiated on March 3, 2024, and classified on May 10, 2024. For more information on the recall and potential refunds, contact East West Tea Company, LLC at 1-800-964-4832 or use the Yogi customer service form.
Related: What to Do If You Have Recalled Food In Your Kitchen
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