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09.05.2022 - Foods

Stiftung Warentest examines Rooibos tea: Chlorate limit exceeded

In the May 2022 edition of Stiftung Warentest, 11 Rooibos teas were tested for pollutant levels. Seven products were rated as “good.” The following pollutants were examined:

Chlorate and Perchlorate:
Chlorate and perchlorate can enter products via chlorinated drinking water. However, illegal use of chlorate as a pesticide is also possible. Chlorate was detected in three products. In one product, the content exceeded the legal limit. However, due to the strict limit, there is no health risk.

There were deductions for the detection of perchlorate in three products. No product was found to exceed the limit value here.

Pyrrolizidine Alkaloids:
Among other things, the plant toxins pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PA) can enter rooibos tea through the co-harvesting of weeds. As we reported, an EU-wide limit for rooibos tea will apply from July 2022. PAs were detected in five products, leading to a downgrading.

Pesticides and Anthraquinone:
Pesticides can enter products during the cultivation of rooibos teas. Anthraquinone is formed during combustion processes when drying rooibos tea. Neither could be detected in the products.

Microscopic tests also checked for adulterations with parts of other plants. No adulterations were found in any of the products tested.

You can get the full report from the Stiftung Warentest issue No. 05/2022.

In our Tentamus laboratories, we regularly conduct tests for various pollutants, such as pyrrolizidine alkaloids and pesticides. We provide you with fast and reliable results.

Our customer advisors are very happy to assist you with any questions.