Herbal Tea Recall Due To Botulism Risk Underway In California

SAN DIEGO COUNTY, CA – Consumers are urged to not drink herbal tea in plastic pouches produced by U.S. Deer Antlers Exports and Imports Inc. due to concerns the teas may be contaminated with Clostridium botulinum, according to the California Department of Public Health.

The agency is investigating two possible cases of botulism in Orange County residents, both of whom consumed the herbal tea products in March.

Ingesting the toxin from improperly processed liquid teas may lead to serious illness and death, and the Los Angeles-based company is voluntarily recalling all of its herbal tea products in plastic pouches.

The affected products are 6-inch by 4-inch plastic tea pouches that contain labeling in Korean, but do not include lot codes or best by dates, the department said. The recalled items were sold to acupuncturists and individuals in California, along with the states of Florida, Illinois, Maryland, North Carolina, Texas and Virginia.

According to health officials, botulism toxin is odorless and colorless, so consumers will be unable to determine if a product is affected. Customers who have any of these products, or any foods made with these products, are urged to discard them immediately by double bagging the pouch into tightly closed plastic bags and placing them in non-recyclable trash bins outside of the home.

The agency even advises wearing rubber or latex gloves, if possible, when handling potentially contaminated products or washing hands with soap and running water for at least two minutes.

Botulism is a rare but serious paralytic illness caused by a nerve toxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. Initial symptoms frequently include double or blurred vision, drooping eyelids, and dry or sore throat, authorities said. Progressive descending paralysis, usually symmetrical, may follow. Additional symptoms may include slurred speech, difficulty swallowing, inability of the neck muscles to support the head and paralysis of the extremities and respiratory muscles, the agency said, adding that infants with botulism appear lethargic, feed poorly, are constipated, and have a weak cry and poor muscle tone.

Customers experiencing any ill effects after consuming these products should immediately consult their health care providers. Consumers who find the product being offered for sale are encouraged to report the activity to the CDPH toll-free complaint line at (800) 495-3232.

• ALSO SEE: Pesticides On Mother's Day Flowers Linked To Neurological Problems In Children: UCSD Study

--Images via CDPH