Saying it was exercising an abundance of caution, Good Earth Tea Tuesday announced a voluntary recall of a limited amount of its Caffeine Free Original blend due to the possible presence of Salmonella.
Good Earth said the recall was based on routine microbial testing in which a minor ingredient had a positive result for Salmonella. The recall is isolated to two retailers and to Caffeine Free Original blend only.
The affected blend was distribute to a limited number of Costco retail locations in California, and Trader Joe’s retail locations in California, Washington, Oregon, Nevada and Pennsylvania, the company said.
All affected product has been or is in the process of being removed from store shelves. Good Earth said it is working closely with the FDA and its customers to resolve the matter.
The tea subject to the recall is limited to the blend with 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)
Salmonella is an organism that 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.
