Whole Foods Pulls Kombucha

AUSTIN, TXConcerned fermented tea kombucha products may contain slightly high levels of alcohol, Whole Food Market has removed such products from several manufacturers. The retail chain is working with suppliers to address these concerns, including labeling discrepancies. The Federal Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) set a limit of 0.5 percent, above which products must bear a government warning.

The unpasteurized beverage is prized for its probiotics and acids, with benefits of improved joints and digestion among the many claimed by consumers and proponents of the drink. Homemade kombucha is at risk of introducing harmful bacteria, but commercial grade versions are made in sterile, quality-controlled environments and carry little to no risk of such contamination. However, there is some speculation storage of kombucha products above refrigeration temperature could have caused some such products to undergo additional fermentation, leading to the slightly elevated alcohol levels.

Manufacturers of brands such as GTs, Synergy,, Honest Tea, Katalyst and Buddhas Brew are hurrying to test their product and ensure it is in compliance with Whole Foods and TTB standards.

They got unexpected publicity this past week, as Lindsay Lohan blamed the tea for triggering her alcohol-detecting device, SCRAM bracelet, causing the judge in her legal case to question her alcohol consumption.