The Hidden Dangers in Your Tea
There’s nothing quite like kicking back with a steaming mug of your favorite herbal tea. However, many of those so-called “healthy” teas are anything but. Several brands have been shown to contain paraquat, a common weed killer, as well as other toxic substances. You could be putting yourself at risk with every sip.
Below, you’ll learn about tea brands to avoid and discover tips on how to buy safe, pesticide-free tea. You will also learn what to do if you believe that you’ve been affected by paraquat in tea.
Tea Brands Found To Contain Pesticides and Heavy Metals
The majority of the world’s tea production takes place in countries such as China and India, where regulations for pesticide use aren’t quite as strict as they are in other nations. Many of America’s major tea brands, such as Celestial Seasonings and Tetley, source their teas from these countries.
In 2013, the Glaucus Studies company researched pesticide levels in 11 major tea brands. Researchers chose to study brands that claimed 100% natural ingredients. The shocking study uncovered 11 tea brands that were using toxic pesticides in their teas.
Celestial Seasonings, a major player in the tea market, was an egregious offender. The study discovered that 90% of the company’s teas contained pesticide levels that violated government guidelines. Some of its products even contained known carcinogens.
Per the study, these are the tea brands to avoid:
- King Cole: Orange Pekoe
- Tetley: Pure Green Tea and Long Leaf Green Tea
- Uncle Lee’s Legends of China: Green Tea and Jasmine Green Tea
- Twinings: Classic Lady Grey, Earl Gray, Classic Assam, and English Breakfast
- Signal: Orange Pekoe
- Lipton: Pure Green Tea, Yellow Label Black Tea, Clear Green Tea, and Darjeeling Tea
- No Name: Black Tea
- Celestial Seasonings: Sleepytime Herbal Teas, Sleepytime Kids Goodnight Grape Herbal, Authentic Green Tea, Green Tea Raspberry Gardens, English Breakfast Black K-Cup, Green Tea Peach Blossom, Antioxidant Max Blackberry Pomegranate, Antioxidant Max Blood Orange, Antioxidant Max Dragon Fruit
What Is Paraquat, and Why Is It Dangerous?
Paraquat may sound like an exotic fruit, but it’s actually a harmful pesticide commonly used to control grass growth and kill weeds. The U.S. government has flagged paraquat for “restricted use,” which means that only licensed applicators are allowed to use it. Some countries, including Thailand, Taiwan, Chile, and Brazil, have banned it entirely. Other countries, including those that produce tea, are more liberal with its use.
In high enough doses, paraquat can cause failure of the heart, kidneys, and liver. Other symptoms include respiratory failure, seizures, severe digestive issues, muscle weakness, confusion, and coma.
Pesticide Residue Testing in Tea
To determine the levels of pesticides in tea, scientists use methods like liquid/gas chromatography and surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS). Chromatography works by separating components of a mixture based on charges.
In the U.S., the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is responsible for regulating the use of pesticides in food and beverage products. It establishes the maximum allowable level of pesticides in foods under the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA).
In addition to the study from Glaucus, several other organizations have tested and reported on pesticide use in teas. In 2014, for example, Greenpeace India studied 49 teas from brands such as Twinings and Unilever. The study found Highly Hazardous and Moderately Hazardous pesticide residues in almost all samples. Scientists found DDT in 67% of samples, even though the pesticide isn’t approved for use in India.
The same year, CBC News conducted a study of common tea brands in Canada. The study tested 10 brands, half of which were found to contain pesticide levels that exceeded the country’s standards.
Safe Tea Brands and Products
Now that you’ve learned about the tea brands to avoid, don’t let the above results scare you into swearing off tea entirely. There are plenty of brands that guarantee safe, pesticide-free tea. You can trust the following brands and products:
- Art of Tea: This brand’s loose-leaf teas are all Fair Trade and certified organic.
- Pukka: Pukka’s teas are certified organic, and the company is Certified B-Corp, carbon neutral, and Fair for Life Certified.
- Traditional Medicinals: This company offers organic, non-GMO teas and tea bags. It is a Certified Green Business and Certified B-Corp.
- Numi: Numi is Certified Organic, Fair Trade, Certified B-Corp, and non-GMO.
- Equal Exchange: This brand’s teas are Certified Organic, kosher, eco-friendly, and Fair Trade Certified.
- Yogi Tea: Yogi Tea is Rainforest Alliance Certified, Certified Organic, Certified B-Corp, and Non-GMO Project Verified.
- Mountain Rose Herbs: This brand’s loose-leaf teas are Certified Organic and packaged in a Zero Waste Facility.
- Tielka: This brand is Fair Trade and Australian Certified Organic. It uses plastic-free tea bags, ethical sourcing, and sustainable business practices.
- The Tea Spot: This Certified B-Corp company offers organic loose-leaf teas.
Tips for Buying Tea Safely
How can you enjoy tea while limiting toxic exposure that could lead to health risks? Tea brands don’t advertise that they use pesticides or source tea from countries that do, so finding a brand that’s safe to sip can feel like a challenge.
Fortunately, there are some easy ways to determine whether your tea is safe to drink. Just follow these tips to know which tea brands to avoid and which should have a place in your pantry:
- Choose loose-leaf tea over the bagged variety and brew it yourself. Loose-leaf tea is less likely to contain pesticide residues compared to bagged teas. Additionally, tea bags can contain harmful chemicals like bleach. By choosing loose-leaf tea, you’ll avoid exposure to chemicals and carcinogens. Loose-leaf tea is typically cheaper than the bagged kind, too.
- Look for teas that are Certified Organic. Brands that have earned this label are not allowed to use pesticides in their products.
- Choose teas from Fair Trade companies. Companies with the Fair Trade Certification have pledged to support environmental protections, safe working conditions, and fair prices for tea farmers.
- Avoid tea made from genetically modified organisms (GMOs). While GMOs are not inherently harmful, companies that use them may be lax about pesticide residues.
- Avoid buying tea from countries like China, which commonly uses banned pesticides in agricultural products.
- Check the ingredient list for terms like “natural flavor” or “added flavor.” Usually, these flavors aren’t entirely natural. Per the FDA, natural flavors must be derived from a fruit, vegetable, or animal. However, they can also contain other ingredients and processing agents.
What To Do If You Believe You’re Affected
If you believe that you’ve imbibed tainted tea, first of all, don’t panic. One or two cups usually won’t harm you. However, you may develop symptoms if you’ve been drinking the tea for a long time. These symptoms could include:
- Respiratory issues, such as trouble breathing, coughing, and pressure in the chest
- Digestive problems such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Seizures
If you have any of these symptoms, see a doctor right away. Bring the tea packaging as well. Your doctor may want to have the tea tested for pesticide contamination.
If test results show that you have ingested tea laden with pesticides, you may be able to file a product liability claim against the offending company. Tea companies have a legal liability to ensure that their products are fit for consumption.
In a product liability claim, the defendant is liable if your attorney can prove that they sold a defective or dangerous product. The defendant’s intent does not matter; they are strictly liable for the harm caused to you.
If you lost a loved one from pesticide-contaminated tea, you may also be able to file a wrongful death claim. This would allow you to recover funeral and burial expenses.
Should a court find the defendant liable for your injuries, you may recover damages such as:
- Medical bills for the treatment of pesticide ingestion, as well as follow-up care
- Lost wages if you are required to take time off work to recover
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
Why Legal Representation Matters in Pesticide Cases
If you plan to sue a tea company for toxic exposure, you should not proceed alone. Product safety cases can be incredibly complex. One of the biggest challenges you’ll face is proving that your symptoms developed from chemical residues in the tea. The manufacturer will likely try to say that you were sickened from another product.
Your lawyer will need to have the tea tested for pesticides, which will link your injuries to the product. They’ll also gather other evidence, such as your medical bills and doctor’s statement.
Lowball settlement offers are another challenge with cases like these. Tea companies may offer you a low settlement in hopes you’ll take the money and give up on the case. Often, a case is worth much more than the amount the defendant offers.
If you believe you’ve been harmed by one of the tea brands to avoid, contact Sadaka Law for assistance. We have a strong track record of holding companies liable for dangerous and defective products. Call (800) 810-3457 to schedule a consultation.
