Food Safety Incidents

Pyrrolizidine Alkaloids has been detected in Herbal tea with milk thistle.

Written by SGS Digicomply Editorial Team | Nov 29, 2025 11:00:00 PM

Food Safety Incident Report

Date of Incident: November 7, 2025

Location: Poland

A recent food safety incident has been reported involving the detection of pyrrolizidine alkaloids in a specific herbal tea containing milk thistle. Pyrrolizidine alkaloids are naturally occurring compounds found in certain plants, which can pose health risks when consumed in significant quantities. This incident falls under the category of bio-contaminants, highlighting the importance of monitoring and controlling food products to ensure consumer safety.

The presence of these compounds in herbal teas can be concerning, particularly for vulnerable populations such as pregnant women, infants, and individuals with liver conditions. Regular consumption of products contaminated with pyrrolizidine alkaloids may lead to serious health issues, including liver damage and other adverse effects.

Consumers are advised to exercise caution and stay informed about the safety of herbal products, especially those containing milk thistle. It is essential to check for any recalls or safety alerts issued by food safety authorities. The incident underscores the necessity for stringent quality control measures in the production and distribution of herbal teas and similar products.

For further information, individuals are encouraged to consult food safety resources and stay updated on any developments regarding this incident.

  • Incident: Pyrrolizidine Alkaloids has been detected in Herbal tea with milk thistle.
  • Date: 2025-11-07
  • Product: Herbal tea with milk thistle
  • Market: Available to SGS Digicomply users only. Explore the platform (for enterprises, no individual plans)
  • Origin of issue: Poland
  • Hazard: Available to SGS Digicomply users only. Explore the platform (for enterprises, no individual plans)
  • Incident Category: Control
  • Hazard Category: Bio-contaminants
  • Source: Informační centrum bezpečnosti potravin