Hello!
Because I drink about 2 liters of herbal tea a day, this report http://www.hr-online.de/website/fernsehen/sendungen/index.jsp?rubrik=84369&key=standard_document_49982553 has made me wonder.
It would be nice if someone could comment on this, as I am quite unsure about the amount of tea I drink every day.
Greetings, Mood.
All replies (3)
Guest
Hello Mood
I have received the following response to your query from those responsible for the product:
The Federal Institute for Risk Research (BfR) published a non-representative study on the content of pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PA) in various herbal teas and teas on 15.07.2013.
Pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) are natural plant constituents that are produced by many plant species to protect them from predators. The occurrence of PA in plants varies greatly depending on the plant species and part of the plant and is also influenced by other factors (e.g. climate, soil conditions). PAs can therefore occur naturally in teas.
As part of the research project, the BfR has developed a new, highly sensitive analytical method. Previously, it was not possible to detect these substances in teas in this way.
A non-representative sample of herbal teas and teas from the trade, such as baby fennel tea, fennel tea, chamomile tea, herbal tea, peppermint tea, nettle tea, lemon balm tea, as well as black and green tea, was examined. High levels of PAs were found in individual cases.
In its statement, the BfR emphasizes that despite the detection of PAs, there is no acute risk for adults and children from tea consumption. Even taking into account long-term, normal consumption of herbal teas and teas with a permanent medium to high PA content, a health risk is highly unlikely according to the BfR. With this study, the BfR does not intend to abandon the generally healthy and enjoyable herbal tea product group.
Following the publication of the BfR study, we requested statements from our tea suppliers in this regard. They are taking the issue very seriously and following it up.
Migros has also taken up the issue and will have its tea range tested for PA in future as part of its self-monitoring obligation. As things stand at present, the teas sold by Migros can be consumed without hesitation.
I hope this information helps you and that you can now continue to drink your favorite herbal tea without hesitation.
Best regards
Tanja, Migipedia team