EU alert · RASFF Potential risk New Herbs and spices
Presence of Centrimonium Chloride in Tea originating from China and dispatched from UK
Validated by the European Commission: · Ref. 2026.8412
Summary
Maltese authorities have detected the presence of cetrimonium chloride, an industrial contaminant, in tea imported from China. The concentration found is .86 mg/kg, exceeding the maximum permitted level of .1 mg/kg, and the contaminated consignment has been detained at the border.
A RASFF notification means that a risk was identified and shared between national authorities. It does not necessarily mean the product was sold in every country — check the distribution list and the measures taken.
Product
Tea
- Category
- Herbs and spices
- Product type
- Food
- Classification
- Border rejection notification
Hazards found (analytical results)
- cetrimonium chloride - industrial contaminants — result: 0.086 ± 0.043 mg/kg - ppm (max. permitted: 0.01 mg/kg - ppm)
Measures taken
- Distribution status: No distribution from notifying country
- Notification basis: Border control - consignment detained
Distributed to
Malta
Source: RASFF Window — European Commission
Data: RASFF Window, © European Union. Reuse authorised under Commission Decision 2011/833/EU. EU Safety Radar is an independent information service; the text above is an editorial presentation of the official data — the entry in the source system is authoritative.
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