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Published on October 23, 2007

In a study conducted between October 2004 and May 2007, the centre collected 29 samples of dried Thai herbal tea products in Nakhon Ratchasima province and measured each for colour, lead content and the amount of microbes.

The study found that four samples were substandard and contaminated with lead, nine samples were contaminated with forms of E coli, seven were found with fungi, and two with yeast.

The tests were similar to those used for instant beverages sold in sealed containers.

The study found overall that Thai herbal tea products had high levels of contamination. These microbes could be destroyed by hot water, but the fungi and yeast could produce toxins. However, the study did not determine whether these toxins would affect consumers.

The study concluded that health authorities should tighten up the regulations to control the contamination of microbes in Thai herbal tea products.

Pongphon Sarnsamak,

The Nation