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Digestive Health
Question #19564
61 days ago
129

green tea packet - #19564

Aditi

I am having a bit of a freakout over something super silly, but hear me out. Last week, I bought a green tea packet from this little store nearby, right? I normally drink green tea every morning, helps me wake up and feel fresh, but this time, I noticed something weird. When I opened the green tea packet, it smelled kinda… off? Like, not the usual earthy smell, more like stale or something. I checked the expiry date and it was fine, but I can't shake this feeling. I made a cup anyway and after drinking it, my stomach felt really unsettled—not like nausea, but kinda crampy. I started thinking, could there be something wrong with the green tea packet? I mean, is there a chance that it was contaminated, or because the smell was off, does that mean it was bad? I even saw some spots in the green tea packet itself, which kinda freaked me out. Should I be concerned or am I just overthinking this? Anyone else ever had a weird experience with a green tea packet like this? What do you guys think I should do? Heat it up more, or toss it? Or is this a common thing? Just hope I am not getting sick over a cup of tea.

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Doctors' responses

It’s understandable to be concerned if something smells off or doesn’t seem right about your green tea. A change in smell or appearance could indicate that the tea has spoiled or been contaminated. Even if the expiration date is fine, there’s still a possibility of degradation due to improper storage conditions. Those spots you saw might be mold or some other form of contamination, which could be impacting the smell and possibly causing the cramping sensation in your stomach. It’s not common for well-manufactured and properly stored green tea to spoil like this, but it isn’t impossible.

First, it’s best not to consume any more of the tea from that particular packet. Toss it to be safe. Consuming spoiled or contaminated food products can potentially lead to gastrointestinal distress, which might explain the cramps you experienced. I’d recommend monitoring your symptoms. If the stomach discomfort persists or worsens, it might be a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional to rule out any other underlying issues.

For the future, purchase green tea from a reputable source, ensure it’s stored in a cool, dry place, and always trust your senses. If something doesn’t seem right—be it the smell, color, or taste—it’s safer to avoid consumption. It’s also a good idea to brew your tea at a sufficiently high temperature to minimize any potential for microbial contamination, although this won’t eliminate all risks if the tea is already spoiled. Stay hydrated, especially if you’re feeling queasy—drinking plenty of water might help flush any irritating substances from your system. If you notice similar symptoms with other products, it might be an idea to track down the brand or store source for further investigation.

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