Determination for major chemical contaminants in tea (Camellia sinensis) matrices: A review

Tea, a most widely consumed beverage throughout the world, has specific aroma and antioxidant property that is good for human health. The tea quality and safety have attracted an ever-increasing attention. Pesticide residues, mycotoxins and heavy metals are the major chemical contaminants found in tea matrices. During the plantation, processing and storage of tea, such contaminants can be readily accumulated and are potentially carcinogenic, teratogenic, immunotoxic, and associated with neurological dysfunction. Due to the high risk for the consumer health, many studies have focused on the detection and monitoring of chemical contaminants. This review discusses different methods for the determination of major chemical contaminants in tea matrices. Various determination strategies and techniques are discussed and evaluated. This work highlights the current determination methods, limitations and opportunities of the potential methodology. (C) 2013 Published by Elsevier Ltd.