Carrefour Recalls Earl Grey Tea Over Pesticide Concerns

Carrefour has initiated a widespread recall of its Earl Grey tea boxes across France following the discovery of an unauthorized pesticide. This move affects consumers nationwide who have purchased the product in recent months.

The retail giant confirmed that the affected tea boxes were commercialized in all its French locations over a six-month period. The recall serves as a precautionary measure to ensure consumer safety and adherence to strict food health regulations.

The recall specifically targets Earl Grey tea boxes sold under the Carrefour brand. The distribution window for these items was extensive, covering a significant portion of the second half of 2025 and the beginning of 2026.

Customers who purchased tea during this timeframe are urged to verify their stock. The presence of the unauthorized substance triggered the immediate action to remove the product from shelves and issue a public warning.

Key details regarding the recall include:

• Product: Carrefour Earl Grey Tea
• Location: All Carrefour stores in France
• Risk: Presence of unauthorized pesticide
• Status: Immediate recall initiated

According to the details released, the distribution period began on July 25, 2025. The recall was triggered on January 13, 2026, marking the end of the authorized sale period for the affected batches.

Any consumer holding tea boxes purchased within this specific window is potentially in possession of the recalled product. The timeline suggests that many consumers may still have these items in their homes, necessitating a broad public alert.

The detection of the pesticide was identified through routine testing or regulatory checks, leading to the decision to halt further distribution and retrieve existing stock.

The recall was triggered by the presence of a pesticide not authorized for use in food products. While specific details on the pesticide type are not provided, the term "unauthorized" implies it does not meet the safety standards set by food regulatory authorities.

Exposure to unauthorized pesticides can pose health risks depending on the concentration and duration of consumption. Regulatory bodies generally enforce strict zero-tolerance policies for unauthorized substances to protect public health.

Consumers who have consumed the product and feel unwell should consult a medical professional. However, the recall is a precautionary step to prevent potential exposure before health issues arise.

Consumers are advised to stop consuming the Earl Grey tea immediately. They should check the packaging to confirm if the purchase falls within the July 2025 to January 2026 window.

Typically, in such recall scenarios, customers are entitled to a full refund upon returning the product to the point of purchase. Carrefour stores will likely facilitate the return process for affected customers.

It is recommended to keep the product in its original packaging if possible to assist with the return process. Do not attempt to consume the tea to "test" if it is affected, as the contamination is not visible.

This recall underscores the importance of rigorous food safety checks within the supply chain. While inconvenient for consumers, such measures are vital for maintaining trust in retail brands and ensuring public health.

Carrefour's swift action to recall the product demonstrates a commitment to consumer safety. Moving forward, this incident may lead to stricter vendor assessments and testing protocols for tea products to prevent similar occurrences.