A popular beverage is being withdrawn due to heavy metal, check if you have it.

The Croatian State Inspectorate has issued a recall notice for a popular green tea product due to the presence of aluminum migration, according to a report published by N1info on August 15, 2026. The affected product is SHAN WAI SHAN Matcha Tea, sold in 80-gram packages with a best-before date of March 12, 2028. The recall follows findings that the product does not comply with Regulation (EC) No 178/2002, which outlines general principles and requirements for food law, including the establishment of the European Food Safety Authority and procedures related to food safety. The decision was made after inspections revealed that the tea contains excessive levels of aluminum, a heavy metal known to pose health risks when consumed in high amounts over time. The inspection process was conducted under the authority of the Croatian State Inspectorate, which oversees food safety and hygiene standards within the country. According to the official statement, the product is not safe for consumption and should be removed from sale immediately. The recalled product is distributed through Asia Express Food, based in Kibystraat 1, CJ Kampen, Netherlands, and is sold by VUKOJE Logistika d.o.o., located in Veliko Polje, Croatia. Consumers who have purchased this specific batch of SHAN WAI SHAN Matcha Tea are advised to stop using it and return it to the point of purchase for a refund. Detailed information regarding the recall can be found on the website of the responsible entity. The recall notice emphasizes that the action applies exclusively to the specified product and batch. It does not affect other products from the same brand or different batches unless they share the same production run and packaging details. The Croatian State Inspectorate has taken this step to ensure consumer protection and maintain compliance with EU-wide food safety regulations. Consumers are encouraged to check their purchases for the specific batch number mentioned in the recall notice. Those who have already bought the product are urged to contact the retailer or the manufacturer directly for further instructions. The situation highlights the importance of rigorous quality control measures in food production and distribution chains, particularly for products that are widely consumed and often marketed as healthy alternatives. The incident underscores the ongoing challenges in ensuring food safety across international supply chains. While the exact cause of the aluminum contamination has not been disclosed, regulatory bodies are likely to conduct additional investigations into the manufacturing processes of the affected product. This includes examining raw materials, production methods, and storage conditions to determine the root cause of the issue. Such steps are crucial in preventing similar incidents in the future and maintaining public trust in food safety systems.