An alarming study for supermarket tea consumers
The findings of the 60 Millions de consommateurs survey caused quite a stir. Our little tea bag to infuse in water contains too many pesticide residues that are harmful to health, glyphosate, heavy metals, insects and plastic. English Breakfast black teas, green teas, mint detox herbal teas and verbena detox infusions: more than half of the samples analysed from different brands were affected by their presence.
Sixteen products, including glyphosate, heavy metals and fourteen pesticide residues, were found, some of which are banned in France, European countries and around the world. Mint green teas are the products most affected by this presence, followed by English Breakfast black teas. However, and this is good news, all organic green teas, English Breakfast black teas and plant-based Detox herbal teas were analysed and guaranteed free from pesticides and heavy metals!
Why does tea contain pesticides?
To understand why these product residues, heavy metals and glyphosate are present in our tea bags, it is important to understand the tea production process. Tea leaves come from the Camellia sinensis shrub, which is widely cultivated in three countries: China, India and Sri Lanka. To thrive, it needs a warm, humid environment.
However, this type of environment encourages the presence of fungi and insects. To prevent plants from being contaminated by insects, producers in these countries use insecticides, fungicides and glyphosate. As the leaves are not washed with water after harvesting, residues of toxic products, heavy metals and glyphosate are found in most tea bags and Detox herbal teas.
Enjoy the benefits of tea without risking an impact on your health
To continue enjoying your favourite tea bag, the magazine 60 Millions de consommateurs recommends choosing organic brands above all! The study points out that only organically produced teas and herbal teas guarantee that no harmful substances are infused into the water. To guarantee pesticide-free tea bags, Kusmi Tea is committed to maintaining the quality of its teas, herbal teas and tea bag infusions while respecting the environment.
Our raw materials are approved at purchase, then checked in our production facilities in Le Havre. We source only organically produced ingredients. Our teas and infusions are Ecocert certified to guarantee organic integrity.
With Kusmi organic teas and herbal teas, enjoy their benefits without risk to your health. As the festive season approaches, indulge in organic Prince Vladimir and its tangy notes on an Earl Grey base. And don't forget the flavoured classics: organic Sweet Love, a black tea and spice tea bag, and organic Detox, a green tea, maté and lemon tea bag!