Matcha powder testing reveals aluminum levels exceeding safety limits in France

An investigation by Que Choisir into seven matcha powder brands sold in France has revealed the presence of aluminum in all tested samples. Five of these products exceeded the reference value established by the French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety (ANSES).

Because matcha is consumed as a fine powder rather than an infused liquid, the substances within the tea leaves are ingested directly. This increases the risk of exposure to elements like aluminum, which is naturally present in soil and absorbed by tea plants. The European Food Safety Authority sets a toxicological reference value of 143 micrograms per kilogram of body weight per day, a threshold that many adults already exceed through cumulative dietary sources.

The study noted significant variability between brands, with lower-priced options generally showing less favorable results. However, researchers cautioned that a higher price point does not inherently guarantee lower contamination levels.