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Neonicotinoid Residues in Tea Products from China: Contamination Patterns and Implications for Human Exposure
Yulong Fan1,2, Hongwei Jin3, Jinru Chen1
1Public Health Service Center, Bao'an District, Shenzhen 518105, China.
Toxics
|July 25, 2025
Summary
Neonicotinoid (NEO) residues were found in Chinese teas, with acetamiprid, dinotefuran, and imidacloprid being the main contaminants. While overall human health risks are low, children face higher exposure, necessitating optimized processing and targeted pesticide use to ensure tea safety.
Area of Science:
- Food Chemistry
- Environmental Science
- Toxicology
Background:
- Neonicotinoids (NEOs) are widely used insecticides.
- Tea consumption presents a potential route for human exposure to pesticide residues.
- Limited research exists on NEO contamination in tea products.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate residue characteristics of six NEOs in Chinese teas.
- To investigate the impact of tea processing on NEO residues.
- To assess human exposure risks associated with NEOs in tea.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of six NEOs (dinotefuran, imidacloprid, acetamiprid, thiamethoxam, clothianidin, thiacloprid) in 137 tea samples.
- Quantification of NEO residue levels and identification of primary pollutants.
- Health risk assessment using chronic and acute hazard quotients (cHQ and aHQ).
Main Results:
- Acetamiprid, dinotefuran, and imidacloprid were the predominant NEOs, comprising 95.65% of total residues.
- Oolong tea showed the highest total NEO levels; herbal tea had high imidacloprid due to processing.
- Dinotefuran exceeded EU maximum residue limits in 44.5% of samples; overall health risks were below safety thresholds, but children's exposure was higher.
Conclusions:
- Tea processing significantly influences NEO residue distribution.
- Optimizing processing methods and pesticide application can mitigate risks.
- Findings support enhanced tea safety regulations and consumer health protection.
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