RemedyTeas has recalled a batch of its peppermint tea, Peppermint Organic Herbal Tea, because during routine sample testing, it was found that some of the finished product was contaminated with salmonella.
Production and distribution of the tea has been halted while the U.S. Food and Drug Administration investigates the source of the infection and the tea will not be sold until this is known.
There are no batch numbers on the tea to identify it, but the tea was sold by RemedyTeas retail store and through mail order and internet orders and it was called either 137 Peppermint Organic Herbal Tea or 120 Tranquility Herbal Tea. The tranquility tea is sold measured to customers’ orders in retail stores and sold in 2 oz. pre-packaged pouches via mail order or internet.
No illnesses have been reported after consumption of the tea and the risk of contracting salmonella is greatly reduced if the tea is brewed according to instructions as the boiling water would kill off contaminants; however, it has been recalled as a precaution.
Consumers who have purchased 137 Peppermint Organic Herbal Tea or 120 Tranquility Herbal Tea are urged to return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers may also contact RemedyTeas Customer Service at 206-323-4832 for instructions on how to return the product.
What is Salmonella?
Salmonella is an organism which can cause infection. Those infected may have fever, diarrhea, vomiting and abdominal pain. Very young children, the elderly and people who are already sick with a weakened immune system can also go on to develop a more serious illness, caused by the organism entering the bloodstream and this can result in arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, or in rare circumstances, even death.
The most common food to be infected with salmonella is eggs, so to reduce your risk, make sure you refrigerate eggs and hard boil them before you eat them. Don’t leave cooked eggs sitting out more than two hours. Eat them straight after cooking.
Salmonella can also be contracted from undercooked or raw meat. If your meat is still pink in the middle it isn’t cooked enough.
Always wash your hands before and after food preparation and wash any cooking utensils thoroughly.
When eating in a restaurant, don’t choose meals that use raw or undercooked eggs or meat.
If you have a baby, wean him on fruits and vegetables and don’t introduce dairy products until he is older.
Source: U.S. Food and Drug Administration Press Release and Centers for Disease Control: Salmonella Prevention.
Joanna is a freelance health writer for The Mother magazine and Suite 101 with a column on infertility, http://infertility.suite101.com/. She is author of the book, 'Breast Milk: A Natural Immunisation,' and co-author of an educational resource on disabled parenting, in addition to running a charity for people damaged by vaccines or medical mistakes.