Republic of Tea organic turmeric ginger green tea recalled

By Jen Christensen CNN

(CNN) -- Tea drinkers, take note: If you've got organic turmeric ginger green tea from the Republic of Tea sitting on your shelf, take a look at the label. The company is voluntarily recalling it because one lot of its organic ginger ingredient might be contaminated with salmonella bacteria.

Salmonella infections can cause diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain and fever and can be potentially deadly in young children, in people who are older, are frail or who have underlying health conditions that weaken their immune systems. Currently, there are no reports that anyone has gotten sick after drinking the tea.

"There is absolutely no evidence that our tea has been contaminated. We are taking this preventive, cautious measure because we want our citizens to feel comfortable when drinking our premium quality teas and herbs," Todd B. Rubin, minister of evolution at the Republic of Tea, said in an announcement posted by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. "This voluntary recall is the first in our nearly quarter-century history."

The company was notified by one of its suppliers about the possibility of contamination. The organic ginger supplier acted after another company they work with alerted them to possible salmonella contamination, according to the recall announcement. The Republic of Tea conducted its own investigation on the ginger and has not found any salmonella.

The Republic of Tea is recalling only this flavor. The rest of the flavors do not fall under the recall.

If you have Republic of Tea's organic turmeric ginger green tea in 50-count tins, in 250-count bulk bags or 50-count refill bags, return it to the Republic of Tea for replacement tea or for a refund. The "best sipped" dates are March 23, 2018 for any of the packages, and April 13, 2018, for the 250-count bulk bag, as well. For more information and for the UPC codes, check out the FDA site, www.fda.gov.

Questions can go to the company at 1-800-298-4832 or [email protected].

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