Several references of herbal teas marketed by Modern Herbalism Yves Moreaulocated at Place de la République in Perpignan, are being recalled due to contamination by tropane alkaloids, toxic molecules present in datura, a dangerous plant. The recalled herbal teas are:
1. Dodo herbal tea
- Sold between February 29 and June 25.
- Recalled lots: 240157 (best before date: January 31, 2027) and 240234 (best before date: February 28, 2027).
2. Light Digestion Herbal Tea
- Sold between April 30 and June 25.
- Recalled lot: 240554 (best before date: April 30, 2027).
3. Happiness Herbal Tea
- Sold between January 31 and June 25.
- Recalled lots: 240052 (best before date: January 31, 2027) and 240232 (best before date: February 28, 2027).
4. Liver Herbal Tea
- Sold between March 31 and June 25.
- Recalled lot: 240103 (best before date: January 31, 2027).
Risks for consumers
Datura, responsible for the contamination of these herbal teas, is a toxic plant known for its hallucinogenic effects. According to the Ministry of Agriculture, “Datura is a herbaceous plant found in fields and which contains, particularly in its seeds, alkaloids.”
These natural substances of plant origin, used in pharmacology for their therapeutic properties, can be very toxic in case of overdose or repeated intake. The alkaloids contained in datura can cause symptoms such as: dry mouth, dilated pupils, visual disturbances, tachycardia, agitation, confusion, disorientation in space and time, hallucinations, incoherent speech. Depending on the amount ingested, the effects can last from a few hours to several days and require hospitalization.
Depending on the amount ingested, the effects can last from a few hours to several days and require hospitalization.
Actions to be taken
In Perpignan, Pauline Moreau, The manager of the modern herbalist’s shop, however, wants to be reassuring. : “This only concerns very few batches and in the recalled packets, the potentially contaminated plant only represents a small proportion of the herbal tea.” According to her, “To experience adverse effects, you would have to drink fifty 250ml cups in one go, whereas we advise our clients to drink only three cups a day, in general.”
However, it is important not to consume these products and to return them to the point of sale or dispose of them safely. “Our priority is really to ensure the safety of our customers,” reminds the manager.
People in possession of these herbal teas can contact the herbalist’s customer service at 04 68 51 23 02 to obtain a refund.
