Glyphosate in Tea

Introduction

Tea is the second most consumed beverage globally, revered for its health benefits and heritage. However, the growing concern over glyphosate residues in tea has posed a serious challenge to producers, exporters, regulators, and retailers. As global scrutiny increases, ensuring residue compliance has become essential not just for public health, but also for industry reputation and export access.

What Is Glyphosate?

Glyphosate (N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine) is a non-selective, systemic herbicide widely used in agriculture to control broadleaf weeds and grasses. It inhibits the EPSP synthase enzyme in the shikimate pathway essential for plant growth but absent in animals and humans. Its broad usage has led to widespread detection in food chains, especially crops like tea that are harvested frequently and processed with minimal washing.

Why Is Glyphosate Used in Tea Cultivation?

Tea plantations are located in tropical, high-humidity regions where weeds flourish. Manual weeding is labor-intensive, and terrain often prevents mechanization. Glyphosate is:

• Cost-effective
• Quick-acting
• Compatible with large-scale plantation operations

However, its misuse or improper timing can lead to residues persisting on harvested tea leaves—raising food safety concerns and regulatory flags.

How Glyphosate Enters Tea: Routes of Contamination

Foods and Tea Categories at High Risk

Glyphosate residues are most frequently found in:

• Black Tea
• Green Tea
• Herbal and Infused Teas
• Ready-to-Drink (RTD) Teas
• Instant or Granulated Tea Extracts

Other food categories with glyphosate concerns include cereals, legumes, pulses, oats, and honey.

Industrial & Food Sector Concerns

Health Risks Associated with Glyphosate Residues

Regulations and standards

Fssai

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has established a maximum residue limit (MRL) for glyphosate in tea at 1 mg/kg (1 part per million) of dry tea leaves. This is the official tolerance level for glyphosate residues allowed in tea sold in India.

https://www.fssai.gov.in/upload/uploadfiles/files/Compendium_Contaminants_Regulations_28_01_2022.pdf

European Union

The European Union’s maximum residue limit (MRL) for glyphosate in tea—set at 0.01 mg/kg—is established under Regulation (EC) No 396/2005. This regulation provides the legal framework for setting and enforcing MRLs for pesticides in food and feed within the EU

https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2005/396/2016-05-13

Glyphosate Residue Testing – Methods & Analytical Parameters

Analytical Parameters in Glyphosate Testing

Eurofins Glyphosate & Residue Testing Solutions for the Tea Industry

About Eurofins

Eurofins Analytical Services India Pvt. Ltd., part of the global Eurofins Scientific Group, is a leading provider of food and agricultural testing solutions. With state-of-the-art laboratories, US FDA (LAAF) recognition, NABL accreditation, and FSSAI approval, Eurofins ensures that your products meet both national and international food safety and export standards.

Glyphosate & Herbicide Residue Testing

As global concern grows around chemical residues in food and beverages, especially tea, glyphosate testing has become essential to meet regulatory requirements and build consumer trust.

Our Glyphosate Testing Covers

Testing Technologies

Export Readiness & Certification Support

Eurofins supports tea producers and exporters by ensuring compliance with:

• European Union MRL for glyphosate (0.1 mg/kg)
• FSSAI pesticide residue regulations
• US FDA and Japanese market requirements
• Organic certification standards (zero glyphosate tolerance)
• Rainforest Alliance and Fair Trade compliance (sustainability and residue-free assurance)

Comprehensive Testing Solutions for the Tea & Food Industry

In addition to glyphosate testing, Eurofins offers an extensive portfolio of services across tea, herbs, spices, and processed foods:

Pesticide Residue Analysis

• Testing for 500+ pesticide residues
• Compliant with EU, Codex, and Indian MRL regulations
• Techniques: QuEChERS, LC-MS/MS, GC-MS/MS

Heavy Metals Testing

• Detection of Lead, Cadmium, Arsenic, and Mercury
• Performed using ICP-MS technology
• Aligned with FSSAI and EU limits

Mycotoxin Screening

• Analysis for Aflatoxins, Ochratoxin A, and others
• Conducted using high-sensitivity LC-MS/MS platforms

Microbiological Analysis

• Detection of pathogens including Salmonella, E. coli, yeast, moulds, and total plate count
• Ensures food safety and shelf-life stability

Nutritional & Labeling Analysis

• Determination of proximate composition, caffeine, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals
• Label compliance as per FSSAI and international standards

Adulteration & Authenticity Testing

• Screening for foreign matter, artificial dyes, synthetic coloring agents
• Techniques include NMR, FTIR, and botanical DNA analysis

Contaminants Testing

• Screening for PAHs, Dioxins, PCBs, Acrylamide, and other harmful compounds
• Meets EU and Codex Alimentarius guidelines

Why Partner with Eurofins?

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