Study finds unlisted ingredients in many herbal teas
Research by New York high school students has uncovered unlisted ingredients in several herbal teas. Weeds, grass, parsley, ferns or bits of tree were found in about a third of 70 tea products that were tested. None of them were listed as ingredients on the labels. According to the authors, some may have accidentally been picked during harvest, whereas others, like chamomile or parsley, may have been added to provide flavor or color, or to act as fillers. While none of the ingredients are outright poisonous, some of them, for example chamomile, may cause allergic reactions to some people. This study hopes to help regulators tighten labeling rules and encourage manufacturers to improve the quality of their products.