Urban Remedy Organic Revitalizing Tea Tonic Strawberry Hibiscus Rose Bottle

Urban Remedy Organic Revitalizing Tea Tonic Strawberry Hibiscus Rose Label

A company called Urban Remedy, in an attempt to ensure "safety as a top priority" is recalling a certain tea distributed in 23 states, including Michigan, because it may be contaminated with hepatitis A.

The move is associated with the outbreak investigation linked to organic strawberries. 

The FDA, along with CDC, Canadian, state, and local partners are investigating a multistate outbreak of hepatitis A in the U.S. & Canada potentially linked to fresh organic strawberries branded as FreshKampo & HEB, purchased between March 5 & April 25. https://t.co/7eCsxY5Une pic.twitter.com/prtfw9UWQB

The tea, Urban Remedy Organic Revitalizing Tea Tonic Strawberry Hibiscus Rose, was recalled due to the possible presence of organic strawberries that have been linked to a hepatitis A outbreak being investigated in the United States and Canada, according to a company announcement posted by the FDA on June 5. 

There have been 17 illnesses and 12 hospitalizations linked to the outbreak in the U.S., with most of the cases being in California. Ten laboratory-confirmed cases have also been identified in Canada as of June 2.

The FDA, sharing news of the outbreak in May, noted that investigations showed the strawberries were the "likely source" of illnesses.

But, no illnesses have been reported from consuming the recalled Urban Remedy tea. 

The product number subject to the recall reads as follows: 813377025831 Urban Remedy Organic Revitalizing Tea Tonic Strawberry Hibiscus Rose.

The product was sold in a 12-ounce resealable plastic bottle between May 17 and May 29 at various retail stores in Arizona, California, Colorado, Illinois, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, Nebraska, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin and Wyoming.

"At Urban Remedy, food safety is our company’s top priority," CEO Paul Coletta said in the announcement.

Coletta is asking those who purchased the product with the affected lot number (1232 best by 7/17/2022) to dispose of the item or return it to the place of purchase for a full refund.

Those who have already consumed the product they bought are being advised to contact their health care provider to find out if they are up to date on their vaccine, while those who develop hepatitis A symptoms should "immediately" call their local health department, according to the FDA.

Hepatitis A is a contagious virus that can cause liver disease, according to the FDA. Some symptoms to watch out for include jaundice, dark urine, fatigue, nausea, abdominal pain and pale stool. The illness may occur from 15 to 50 days after consuming the contaminated food or drink.

According to the FDA, "all people" are susceptible to hepatitis A, except for those who have been vaccinated or had it before; they are "immune" to the infection.

Consumers with questions can call (855) 875-8423 from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. EST or email connect@UrbanRemedy.com.

Angela Mulka has a bachelor's degree in journalism, focused on environmental science and health reporting, from Michigan State University. She realizes the importance of representation for all people in storytelling and values the field because of its commitment to uncovering truth. Born and raised in Michigan, Angela hopes to become a voice for the natural world to protect our planet for generations to come. Connect with her on Twitter @angelamulka.