CFS follows up on tea leaf samples containing perchlorate

The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department today (April 8) noted that in view of media reports earlier that Mainland-produced tea leaves available in Europe were found to contain higher levels of perchlorate, the CFS has followed up and collected 30 imported tea leaf samples in the local market for testing of perchlorate levels. All samples passed the tests.

"The CFS is very concerned about the media reports and has taken follow-up action, including liaising with the Mainland authorities concerned for more information and enhancing surveillance on tea leaves sold in the local market. The test results of 30 imported tea leaf samples including Biluochun, Oolong tea, Shoumei, Tieguanyin, Liu An tea, Shui Xian, Longjing, Pu-erh, Jasmine green tea, King Peony, Sencha and Green tea were all satisfactory," a spokesman for the CFS said.

Perchlorate may come from natural sources (including occurring naturally in the air or mineral salt that could be used as fertiliser such as nitrate). It can also enter the environment through certain manmade industrial products (e.g. rocket fuels, explosives, fireworks or illuminating flares, etc). Therefore perchlorate is ubiquitous in the environment. Excessive intake of perchlorate over a prolonged period may cause hypothyroidism and pose health risks in particular to pregnant women, foetuses and newborns.

"Although the Codex Alimentarius Commission has not set an upper limit on the level of perchlorate in food, according to Section 54 of the Public Health and Municipal Services Ordinance (Cap 132), all food intended for human consumption for sale in Hong Kong, whether imported or locally produced, must be fit for human consumption," the spokesman said.

Last year, the CFS took more than 180 tea leaf samples for chemical tests (such as pesticides, colouring matters and metallic contaminants). Except for a jasmine floral tea sample which was found to contain Triazophos, all other samples passed the tests.

"The CFS will remain vigilant and continue to monitor tea leaves available for sale in the market. It will also follow up on the latest assessment by international food safety authorities in a bid to safeguard food safety and public health," said the spokesman.

Ends/Friday, April 8, 2016