Safety and quality of Ukrainian herbal teas
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.31617/tr.knute.2020(34)11Keywords:
herbal teas, safety, qualityAbstract
Background. Herbal teas are one of the traditional means for the prevention and treatment of chronic diseases in Ukraine. They contain a complex of biologically active substances and characterized by a wide range of pharmacological action. However, there are virtually no data on the safety of herbal teas and its organoleptic and physicochemical quality indicators.
Herbal teas are especially popular during the seasonal growth of influenza and SARS. This year, humanity has encountered a new strain of coronavirus infection COVID-19. Despite the lack of a cure for this disease, at the time of writing of this article, consumers have begun to use a variety of foods to prevent disease and strengthen the immune system. Herbal teas have also grown in popularity. In this regard, the issue of quality and safety of herbal teas on the Ukrainian market becomes especially relevant.
The aim of the work is to study the safety and quality of herbal teas of Ukrainian production.
Materials and methods. The subject of research – samples of herbal teas produced by “Phytosvit Ltd.”: Chamomile Flowers, Peppermint Leaves, Melissa Herb, Echinacea Herb, Calendula Flowers.
The quality of packaging, labeling, organoleptic parameters and the presence of poisonous plants and pest infestation of grain stocks were determined. Physicochemical parameters such as mass fraction of moisture, extractives and total ash were studied. Determination of the content of toxic elements, residual amounts of pesticides, radionuclides and microbiological safety were carried out in accordance with current ND.
Results. It was established that the mass fraction of moisture of all tested samples is less than 14 %. That meets the requirements for herbal teas, prevents the development of microflora and promotes long-term storage of the product. The mass fraction of total ash of all samples did not exceed 14 %. That also is normal. The content of organic and mineral impurities in the samples was minimal, and no poisonous plants and pests were detected. The content of toxic elements, pesticides, radionuclides and microbiological indicators of herbal teas met the current requirements.
Conclusion. One of the most popular ways to use herbs is to consume herbal teas. Studies of safety and quality of selected monophyte teas produced by Phytosvit Ltd. confirmed the compliance of the obtained data with the requirements of current regulations, which is especially important in the context of a coronavirus pandemic.
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