Experts warn against daily bubble tea consumption after lead found in popular brands

Consumer Reports, an independent nonprofit that conducts product testing and investigative journalism, tested pearls from two popular chains, Gong Cha and Kung Fu Tea, and two packaged products from Trader Joe’s and WuFuYuan, per the New York Post. All four samples contained lead, though none exceeded Consumer Reports’ level of concern for a single serving. Tests did not find arsenic, cadmium or mercury at unsafe levels.

Fox News reported that the same test also detected lead in the tea. However, Sana Mujahid, manager of food safety research and testing at Consumer Reports, said it is "difficult to tell" where the lead in the liquid portion originated.

A person holding a milk tea. Illustration photo by Pexels

"These levels weren’t so high that we’d tell people to completely avoid bubble tea," said James E. Rogers, director of food safety research and testing at Consumer Reports.

"However, while this wasn’t a comprehensive look at the boba and bubble tea market, the fact that three out of the four boba samples contained more than 50% of our level of concern for lead in one serving is a good reason to treat it as an occasional treat, not an everyday staple."

Tapioca pearls are made from cassava, a starchy root vegetable that can absorb heavy metals from contaminated soil. Other cassava-based products, including some flours and snacks, have previously shown higher levels of lead.

Rogers stressed that exposure to lead "may have health effects" over time.

"It’s hard to avoid being exposed to some lead," he said. "It’s found in food, water, soil, and even homes. The risks come from repeated exposure, small amounts can add up and have long-term health effects."

In response to the findings, Trader Joe’s said it has discontinued its Instant Boba Kit. WuFuYuan’s parent company, Shanghai ZhouShi Foodstuffs, said it has tightened quality-control standards.

"We take the safety of our products very seriously, and your outreach has prompted us to further improve our existing quality control measures," Jason Tsou, general manager at Shanghai ZhouShi Foodstuffs, said.

Gong Cha and Kung Fu Tea has not responded to Consumer Reports’ requests for comment.