Jul 13, 2026 - Foods
Matcha Tea in Focus: High Aluminum Levels in Individual Samples – BfR Warns Against Regular Consumption
The German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) has evaluated individual Matcha tea samples with very high aluminum contents. In three samples examined, values between 1,743 and 2,350 milligrams of aluminum per kilogram of tea were measured.
Aluminum enters plants from the soil and is also ingested through other foods, packaging, and cosmetics. A long-term high intake of aluminum can impair the nervous system, reproductive ability, and bone development. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has therefore established a tolerable weekly intake (TWI) of 1 milligram of aluminum per kilogram of body weight.
According to the BfR's assessment, regular daily consumption of Matcha with very high aluminum content could significantly exceed this limit just through tea alone. However, since only a few samples have been examined so far, no general statements can be made about Matcha as a whole.
The BfR sees a need for further research and recommends avoiding additional aluminum intake from individual foods with particularly high contents.
In our Tentamus laboratories, we regularly conduct the necessary tests for aluminum. We provide you with fast and reliable results and are happy to advise you on all matters related to product safety. Our customer advisors are available to assist you with any questions.
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