The Sweet Leaf Tea Co. has announced that it is recalling 1.5 million bottles of its drinks worldwide after glass was found in a number of bottles, according to a press release put out on Thursday.
Four complaints were made to the Texas-based company after customers found glass fragments in their bottles, which Sweet Leaf Tea Co. attributes in its statement to glass breakage during the filling process.
The company warns that "consumers could potentially be cut or injured if ingested" but also states that the recall is being done out of "an abundance of caution." It advised customers who have purchased the affected products not to drink them and return them to the place of purchase.
All 16-oz. glass bottles distributed between Feb. 27 and Dec. 6 are affected, including the raspberry, green tea and Sweet Leaf Tea original flavors, according to ABC News. Plastic products are unaffected.
The first complaint was received in July but not acted upon because it was "believed to be an isolated incident until hearing from three others more recently," Sweet Leaf spokeswoman Jane Lazgin told NBC News.
"It is upon the four complaints we felt it was prudent to recall the product to assure that Sweet Leaf is a safe and high quality tea product," Lazgin said, according to NBC.
The FDA also released a statement confirming that the recall was being carried out in conjunction with the authorities. It recommend that consumers should determine whether they have purchased one of the drinks that is being recalled by checking the manufacturing date, which can be found on the shoulder of the bottle or the bottom of the shipping case.
Customers may return their glass bottles of Sweet Leaf Tea to stores for full refunds, according to AOL. No injuries have been reported as a result of the glass fragments.
