Chromium contamination in black tea and its transfer into tea brew

A survey was conducted in south India to find out the amount of chromium (Cr) present in marketable black tea. Before assessing the Cr content in black tea, the Cr content in the green shoots was assessed, in order to know the Cr contamination after completion of the manufacturing process. Samples of black tea manufactured by CTC (Crush, Tear and Curl) and Orthodox processes were collected and analysed for Cr content. The study revealed that the content of Cr was high in CTC-manufactured black tea, which involved the use of stainless steel rollers. A pilot scale experiment was carried out, using newly sharpened rollers, and the black tea samples prepared were analysed for Cr content. A similar study was carried out in a commercial factory and samples analysed for Cr for one month. The study confirmed that Cr content was positively correlated to the sharpening of CTC rollers used for manufacturing.