Tea-tering toward botulism
Harmony Chai, a US tea manufacturer, has recalled its Concentrated Black Spiced Chai and Decaffeinated Rooibos Chai because of concerns aboutClostridium Botulinum, a bacterium which can be fatal.
Routine tests by Washington State Department of Agriculture found that the tea was not properly processed.
No illnesses have been reported but there is a “potential hazard”, says the FDA.
The recalled Harmony Chai products were both bottled in 650ml and 1893ml amber glass jugs. They had been distributed to farmers’ markets, grocery stores and cafes in Western Washington, including San Juan, Skagit, Snohomish and King Counties.
Botulism is a form of food poisoning that can cause difficulty speaking, swallowing, breathing and lead to death. Washington State Department of Health receives between zero and two reports of foodborne botulism each year.
