What are the potentially harmful products contained in tea?
In its survey “Tea, herbal tea: too much dirt” published in March 2022, the 60 Millions de consommateurs association made tea consumers shudder. 16 problematic substances were found after laboratory analysis among 48 references to conventional tea bags and infusions. Black teas, green teas and verbena infusions, half of the samples contained traces of acetamiprid, chlorfenapyr and glyphosate.
60 Million Consumers also discovered various fragments in the sachets, which are certainly not dangerous for health. Insects and rodent hairs were mainly found in references to organic infusions. In verbena infusions, analyzes have also proven the presence of plastic and mineral fragments.
Green tea, the most criticized variety
After harvesting its leaves, green tea is exposed to heat to stop its oxidation. This manufacturing process preserves its taste properties and makes it one of the most popular teas in the world.
The analysis of several sachet references highlighted the presence of numerous pollutants: biocides, herbicides, mineral oils, phytosanitary products, etc. According to the results of 60 million consumers, the products most concerned would be mint-flavored green teas. Five out of twelve references tested were found to contain residues of 4 unauthorized products.
Black tea and herbal teas, less contaminated varieties
Unlike green tea, black tea is air-dried after harvest. It thus undergoes natural oxidation or fermentation, giving it its taste and deep color. Still according to the survey by the 60 Million Consumers association, black teas, but also herbal teas, contain fewer pesticides than green teas.
Only traces of a banned pesticide were found among three references of black tea in bags. The concern, however, concerns glyphosate: more than 11 out of 16 references tested contain residues of this toxic herbicide.
How to consume unpolluted tea?
In conclusion of this study, the results of 60 million consumers show that only organic teas provide the certainty of not containing any toxic substances. To ensure that you respect the environment and your health, opting for organic tea in bulk or in bags is the right thing to do.
In the teas and infusions section, Kusmi guarantees you organic and varied references to accompany you all year round. For gourmet end-of-year celebrations that respect your health, succumb to the Glögg, our organic Christmas infusion with hibiscus and spices. Unless you fall for the Tsarevna, our organic black tea with Christmas spices that is so comforting…