That calming cup may come with a surprising health risk, according to new details released by the FDA.
Sitting down with a warm cup of tea is the ultimate relaxing activity, especially if you need a moment of zen after a long, full day of holiday season happenings. According to Harvard experts, drinking certain teas can also offer health benefits ranging from reducing inflammation to helping your heart.
However, those experts also note that moderation—and medical approval—is key when consuming herbal teas because they can “pose some risks to individuals with certain health conditions.” Recently, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) also brought another potential, though unexpected, concern to the forefront: potential Salmonella contamination.
Per the FDA’s December 17 enforcement report, Lockport, NY-based Celebration Herbal Teas has issued a voluntary, ongoing recall of certain units of its Senna Leaf Herbal Tea due to “possible salmonella.” The recall affects 1,226 retail units of the tea and was distributed in seven states and one U.S. territory: Florida, Indiana, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, New York, Wisconsin, and Puerto Rico. The recall’s risk level has not yet been classified by the agency.
The FDA also provided the following details:
Celebration Herbals Senna Leaf Herbal Tea, 24 Teabags
- Net weight: 1.48 ounces (oz.)
- UPC: 628240201829
- Lot code: 251004
- Best By date: 2028-Oct-29
While perhaps surprising to see Salmonella listed as the recalling reason, a 2022 study published in the journal Frontiers in Microbiology investigated how long Salmonella could survive in dried teas in particular. Ultimately, researchers learned that the bacteria—known to cause symptoms typically ranging from vomiting and diarrhea to fever and chills—can survive for more than three months in temperatures ranging from 39 degrees to 77 degrees Fahrenheit. The study’s text also noted that “thermal treatment delivered during home brewing may not eradicate Salmonella in teas.”
Celebration Herbal Teas is part of a larger company, Organic Connections, and specializes in manufacturing products such as teas, spices, and herbs. The company’s Senna Leaf Tea is made with organic leaf senna, which is known to have laxative and stimulant properties, according to the National Library of Medicine. While it is generally considered safe to consume short term to help treat constipation, high doses or long-term use of senna can cause stomach discomfort, nausea, or stomach cramps. Senna leaf is also used as an ingredient in other over-the-counter constipation relief products.
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