Summary
This study was carried out to address the urgent need to gather more data on levels of lead (Pb) in tea, to inform current EU discussions on a proposed maximum limit of 1 mg/kg Pb in tea (‘dried leaves and stalks, fermented or otherwise of Camellia sinensis’).
Levels of Pb were quantified in 51 samples of black and green tea leaves.These samples were also analysed as tea liquid (drink), after steeping the tea leaves for both a shorter and a longer brew time, following an agreed protocol. 11 different varieties of dried tea (including a white tea) from different tea growing regions were also purchased and analysed to ensure there was good geographic and tea-type coverage.
Preliminary investigations were carried out on a small number of samples. Firstly, tea bags taken from two packets of tea were analysed to check the level of variation in Pb within each pack. Further studies included investigating: the effect of using deionised water versus tap water to steep the tea; extended brewing times and the effects a second brew (re-steeping) had on Pb levels in the tea liquid.
Research Method
To determine the levels of lead in dried tea and as consumed (brewed tea), 51 tea samples (42 black teas and 9 green teas) comprising of tea bags and loose tea were collected and analysed. To ensure geographical representation and coverage, a further 11 different varieties of dried tea (6 black teas, 4 green teas and 1 white tea) from different growing regions of the world (China, Africa, Japan and India) were also analysed for lead.
For the 42 black teas and 9 green teas in addition to determining the level of lead present in the dried teas, samples of brewed tea were prepared and analysed. To establish if brewing time had an effect on the migration of lead in the tea leaves into the brewed tea, samples of the tea brewed to realistic protocols were taken at timed intervals and analysed to determine the level of lead present.
Results
The study findings showed that the levels of lead in the 51 samples of dried tea varied significantly and ranged from 0.125 to 2.56 mg/kg.
The levels of lead found in the brewed teas were very low with half the results being less than the limit of detection 0.2µg/L (1 µg/L=0.001mg/kg).
Teas brewed for a longer period of time resulted in only a slightly higher level of lead.
The levels of lead found in the additional 11 dry teas ranged from 0.177 to 1.96 mg/kg.
Exposure to lead from the consumption of the brewed teas as tested is not considered to be of concern for consumer health compared to normal levels of exposure to lead from all dietary sources.
FAQs
Results. The study findings showed that the levels of lead in the 51 samples of dried tea varied significantly and ranged from 0.125 to 2.56 mg/kg.
Which tea has the most lead? ›
In terms of lead, the tea's country of origin appears to be the most important factor. Black tea from China has the highest levels of lead. If you are brewing the tea and throwing the leaves away, drinking three cups a day of black tea from China would exceed the daily safety limit of lead consumption.
Is lead found in tea? ›
Results. All brewed teas contained lead with 73% of teas brewed for 3 minutes and 83% brewed for 15 minutes having lead levels considered unsafe for consumption during pregnancy and lactation. Aluminum levels were above recommended guidelines in 20% of brewed teas.
Does tea from China contain lead? ›
Tea. China is one of the world's biggest tea exporters, but their rapid industrialization has raised concerns about contamination with lead, a toxin that can affect almost every organ in the body. The more lead there is in the soil, the more lead there is that ends up in the tea leaves.
How do you judge tea quality? ›
Tea has its own distinctive aroma and any sought of adulteration is pretty evident. Just smell the tea if it has a fading smell, then it is a low quality tea. Tea has a strong, grassy and fresh fragrance, which defines it's goodness.
What is the unhealthiest tea? ›
Teas that are unhealthy include comfrey, kava kava, black, and other teas. A warm cup of tea is a refreshing and soothing drink.
Does Lipton tea contain lead? ›
The leaves in the Lipton and Bigelow tea bags contained 1.25 to 2.5 micrograms of lead per serving. The leaves from Teavana, however, did not contain measurable amounts. “Lead can occur in many botanical products because it is taken up from the ground,” said Dr. Tod Cooperman, president of ConsumerLab.com.
How do you avoid lead in tea? ›
Avoiding over-steeping can reduce potential heavy metal contamination into your tea. Steep for two to four minutes to reduces the transfer of metals by up to 50 percent. Use loose leaf tea or brands that are transparent about their ingredients and testing for toxins.
Why does my tea have a lead warning? ›
While lead is naturally-occurring in soil and is naturally absorbed by plants, it's also released from industrial sources and aircraft. Upon emission, lead can travel before sticking to soil particles in the ground. This can transfer to groundwater, and eventually be absorbed by the tea plants.
Does organic tea contain lead? ›
With a 3-4 minute steeping time, the highest level of lead found in an organic green tea product was 1.54 ug/600mL. The highest lead level in a standard green tea product was only 1.13 ug/600mL.
One of the major mistakes people can make is drinking matcha tea that is contaminated with lead. This comes usually from buying untested or cheap, Chinese grown matcha blends that lack the right quality. The USDA limitation is just 2mcg of lead per gram when brewed. Some major brands, though, do have lead problems.
What brand of tea was recalled? ›
RICHMOND, Calif. — An organic tea has been recalled over its possible connection to strawberries potentially contaminated with Hepatitis A. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced the company Urban Remedy is voluntarily recalling Organic Revitalizing Tea Tonic Strawberry Hibiscus Rose.
What is considered high quality tea? ›
Tea is often graded by leaf size. For the highest quality, look for a whole-leaf grade. The broken leaves – or 'dust' – you tend to find in blended mass-market teas have lost their oils and aroma. Their smaller surface area means they also release more bitter-tasting tannins.
What is the secret to good tea? ›
Using clean and filtered water will produce a cleaner tea and enhance the tea's flavor. For a full-flavored cup of tea, use one teaspoon of leaves for every cup. It is important to let the water that you boiled cool down for 30 seconds to a minute.
What is high quality vs low quality tea? ›
High quality tea lasts longer.
A high quality tea will make many more good tasting brews than a low quality version before the leaves expire. The tea always tastes better – not just for the first few brews but from the first to the last !
What is the healthiest tea of all time? ›
1. Green tea. A favorite with tea drinkers everywhere, green tea has been praised for its medicinal properties for years. Some recent studies have now confirmed some of these benefits, suggesting that green tea may protect various aspects of our health.
Which tea has the most oxidation? ›
A dark cup and one of the most popular teas is black. This has had the longest oxidation of any tea and is sometimes enjoyed with a splash of milk. Oolong tea is what is produced after an 80% oxidisation and green tea is usually unoxidised to help retain a light fresh taste.
