The Specific Product Recalled
The specific product in question was the Organic Yogi Echinacea Immune Support tea. The voluntary recall, initiated in March 2024 and publicly reported in May, was a proactive measure by the East West Tea Company. The recall affected approximately 877,536 tea bags, sold in 54,846 boxes nationwide.
Details of the Recall
- Reason for recall: Detection of pesticide residues above FDA action levels during routine audits.
- Classification: Class III recall, meaning exposure is not likely to cause adverse health consequences.
- Company's stance: Yogi Tea, which uses organic practices, stated the contamination likely resulted from pesticide drift from a neighboring farm.
Identifying the Recalled Product
If you have purchased Organic Yogi Echinacea Immune Support tea, you should check the packaging for specific identifying information. The recalled products can be identified by the following details:
- UPC Code: 0 76950 45010 3.
- Affected Lot Numbers: A long list of lot numbers was provided by the company and the FDA. Some of the affected lot numbers include #0000184330, #0000184853, #0000185098, #0000185100, and #0000185383. A full, comprehensive list can be found on the FDA's website and on Yogi Tea's official recall page.
- How to find lot code: The lot code is printed on the side of the box, in the same area as the Best Before Date.
Comparison of Recalled vs. Safe Product
| Feature | Recalled Organic Echinacea Immune Support | Safe Organic Echinacea Immune Support |
|---|---|---|
| Recall Reason | Pesticide residue detected above action levels | None |
| Best Before Date | Before May 7, 2026 | May 7, 2026, or later |
| Status | Voluntarily recalled and removed from shelves | Currently in production and distribution |
| Lot Numbers | Specific affected lot codes (check official list) | Not on the official recall list |
| Action for Consumers | Discard or return for refund | Safe for consumption |
Company's Response and Corrective Actions
Following the discovery of the issue, East West Tea Company took immediate action. The recall was voluntary and they cooperated with the FDA to ensure the affected products were removed from circulation.
- New Supplier Secured: The company quickly found a new Echinacea supplier to ensure the quality of future batches.
- Enhanced Testing: Yogi Tea engaged new partners to add additional testing capabilities across all of their products to prevent future contamination issues.
- Consumer Reimbursement: For consumers with affected products, Yogi offered a reimbursement coupon or a new carton of tea.
What to Do If You Have the Recalled Tea
If you purchased the Organic Yogi Echinacea Immune Support tea, it is important to take the necessary steps to ensure your safety. While the FDA classified this as a Class III recall, which poses a low risk, discarding the product is the recommended action.
- Check the box: Locate the lot code and 'Best Before' date on the side of the carton. If the 'Best Before' date is before May 7, 2026, or the lot number is on the affected list, your product is part of the recall.
- Do not consume: Do not drink the tea if it is from a recalled lot.
- Contact the company: For a refund or replacement, contact East West Tea Company's customer service with an image of the carton showing the lot code. They can be reached at 1-800-964-4832 or [email protected].
- Return to store: Some retailers, like Dierbergs Markets, offered full refunds for returned products.
Conclusion
The voluntary recall of Organic Yogi Echinacea Immune Support tea highlights the complexities of the organic supply chain and the importance of routine quality control. The quick and transparent response from the East West Tea Company, including securing new suppliers and enhancing testing procedures, demonstrates a commitment to consumer safety and maintaining product standards. While the health risk was deemed low, consumers should verify their products against the provided information and contact the company for resolution if necessary. The incident serves as a crucial reminder for consumers to stay informed about product recalls.