After concern over elevated alcohol levels, Whole Foods removes kombucha from shelves

Whole Foods removes kombucha drinks from stores

AUSTIN, Texas — Whole Foods is removing a fermented, sweetened tea called kombucha from its shelves because of concerns over slightly elevated alcohol levels.

Whole Foods spokeswoman Kate Lowery said Thursday that a couple dozen kombucha suppliers agreed to a voluntary withdrawl of the products after conversations indicated the alcohol levels may be elevated.

She did not know how much alcohol the drinks contained. Product containing 0.5 percent or more of alcohol must carry a government warning.

Lowery said the Austin-based company is working with suppliers “to review these potential labeling issues for a swift resolution.”

California-based Millennium Products Inc., which produces a dozen varieties of kombucha products including GT’s, sold at Whole Foods, did not immediately return a call or e-mail from The Associated Press on Thursday.

Whole Foods has more than 290 stores in the U.S., Canada and the United Kingdom.