Glyphosate in Tea

Introduction

Tea, a beloved beverage enjoyed by millions around the world, has long been associated with health benefits and relaxation. However, in recent years, concerns have arisen over the potential presence of glyphosate in tea leaves. Glyphosate, a widely used herbicide, has garnered attention due to its controversial impact on human health and the environment. In this blog, we delve into the topic of glyphosate testing in tea to shed light on the current situation and to help consumers make informed choices about their favourite brew.

Understanding Glyphosate

Glyphosate is a key ingredient in various herbicides, including the popular brand Roundup. It is commonly used to control weeds and unwanted vegetation in agriculture and gardening. Though deemed safe by regulatory agencies when used correctly, concerns have been raised about its potential long-term effects on human health, particularly regarding its possible link to certain diseases.

The Potential Presence of Glyphosate in Tea

Tea leaves are not exempt from the risk of glyphosate contamination. Several factors contribute to the potential presence of glyphosate in tea, including the proximity of tea plantations to agricultural areas where glyphosate is used, as well as the indiscriminate use of the herbicide by some farmers. Runoff and spray drift may lead to inadvertent contamination of tea crops.

Importance of testing

Health Concerns

Glyphosate has been associated with a range of health impacts, including the potential to cause cancer, reproductive and developmental toxicity, neurotoxicity, and immunotoxicity. People exposed to glyphosate may experience various symptoms such as skin irritation, swelling, burning, discomfort in the mouth and nose, an unpleasant taste, and blurred vision.

Illegal Use in India

In India, glyphosate has received approval only for use in tea plantations and designated non-plantation areas related to tea crops. Unfortunately, a troubling 2020 study by Pesticide Action Network (PAN) India revealed alarming findings. Glyphosate was being utilized in more than 20 crop fields, indicating illegal and unauthorized usage beyond its approved scope.

Market overview

In 2022, the global pesticides residue testing market achieved a valuation of USD 1,636.15 million. Looking ahead to 2032, the market is anticipated to undergo robust growth, with a projected Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 6.9%. This growth trajectory is primarily attributed to the escalating global demand for enhanced food safety measures.

Regulations and standards

Approximately 35 countries worldwide have taken measures to restrict or outright ban the use of glyphosate due to these health concerns. Notable examples include Sri Lanka, Netherlands, France, Colombia, Canada, Israel, and Argentina, all of which have implemented regulatory actions to limit glyphosate usage.

The safety of glyphosate in food is a controversial topic. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in the United States has set a maximum residue limit (MRL) of 1 mg/kg for glyphosate in dry tea leaves. The European Union has set a lower MRL of 0.01 mg/kg.

In India, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has set a maximum residue limit (MRL) of 0.05 mg/kg for glyphosate in dry tea leaves. This means that no more than 0.05 mg of glyphosate per kilogram of dry tea leaves can be present. The FSSAI has also set a tolerance limit of 0.01 mg/kg for glyphosate in tea. This means that tea that contains more than 0.01 mg/kg of glyphosate can still be sold, but it must be labelled as "containing glyphosate." The FSSAI's MRL and tolerance limits for glyphosate in tea are based on the safety assessment of glyphosate by the World Health Organization (WHO). The WHO has concluded that glyphosate is unlikely to be carcinogenic to humans at that level.

Testing methods

Glyphosate testing methods involve various techniques used to detect and quantify the presence of glyphosate residues in different substances, including tea. Here are some common testing methods used for glyphosate:

Eurofins role in testing Glyphosate in tea

Eurofins plays a significant role in testing glyphosate in tea, ensuring the safety and compliance of tea products. Glyphosate is a widely used herbicide, and its presence in tea has raised concerns about potential health risks for consumers. As a leading provider of laboratory testing services, Eurofins offers comprehensive and reliable testing for glyphosate residues in tea. Here's an overview of Eurofins' role in this context:

Expertise and Accreditation: Eurofins employs experienced scientists and technicians who specialize in food testing, including the analysis of glyphosate in tea. Their laboratories are accredited by recognized accreditation bodies, ensuring compliance with strict quality standards, and providing reliable and accurate results.

Advanced Testing Methods: Eurofins utilizes state-of-the-art testing methods, such as liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), to detect and quantify glyphosate residues in tea samples. LC-MS/MS is a highly sensitive and specific technique that can detect trace levels of glyphosate, ensuring reliable and precise results.

Regulatory Compliance: Eurofins' glyphosate testing services adhere to national and international regulations and guidelines. They stay updated on the latest regulatory requirements related to glyphosate in tea, ensuring their testing protocols align with industry standards.

Sample Analysis: Eurofins accepts tea samples from producers, exporters, importers, and regulatory bodies for glyphosate testing. They carefully analyze these samples using validated testing procedures, providing accurate information about glyphosate residues in the tea.

Customized Solutions: Eurofins understands the unique requirements of their clients and offers customized testing solutions accordingly. They work closely with tea producers and distributors to tailor their testing services to meet specific needs and address glyphosate-related concerns.

Quality Assurance: Eurofins maintains a strong emphasis on quality assurance throughout the testing process. They participate in proficiency testing programs and undergo regular internal and external audits to ensure the highest level of accuracy and reliability in their testing results.

By providing expert glyphosate testing services, Eurofins helps tea companies and regulatory authorities ensure the safety and compliance of tea products. Their commitment to advanced testing methods, regulatory compliance, and quality assurance makes them a trusted partner in the tea industry. Eurofins Analytical Services India, located in Bangalore, has achieved a significant milestone by receiving recognition from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) under the Laboratory Accreditation for Analyses of Foods (LAAF) program. This makes Eurofins the first laboratory in Asia to receive such recognition.

References

1. Liu S, Rao J, Zhu J, Li G, Li F, Zhang H, Tao L, Zhou Q, Tao Y, Zhang Y, Huang K, Wei C. Integrated physiological, metabolite and proteomic analysis reveal the glyphosate stress response mechanism in tea plant (Camellia sinensis). J Hazard Mater. 2023 Jul 15;454:131419. doi: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.131419. Epub 2023 Apr 14. PMID: 37099910.https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/center-restricts-use-of-glyphosate
2. https://www.polarismarketresearch.com/industry-analysis/pesticides-residue-testing-market#:~:text=The%20global%20pesticides%20residue%20testing,demand%20for%20food%20safety%20worldwide.

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