ABSTRACT
Selected tea samples commercially available in Benin City, Edo State were randomly selected and analysed for their proximate composition and heavy metal content. Six brands of tea were anaysed. The proximate composition, carbohydrate, moisture, protein, ash and fat content. The results ranged from 49.88-98.31%, 13.46-21.80%, 0.36-2.41%, 0.95-6.40% and 0.26-1.96% respectively. Fibre was only present in sample 1, 2, 3, and 4 (2.65-19.80%), while sample 5 and sample 6 did not have fibre in them. The metals analysed were Lead (Pb), Zinc (Zn), Iron (Fe) and Manganese (Mn). The values obtained for Pb, Zn, Fe and Mn were 0.005-0.010 µg/g, 0.120- 0.420 µg/g, 0.110-0.180 µg/g and 0.039-0.080 µg/g respectively. The results were compared to National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and World Health Organization (WHO) standards. The variations in heavy metals concentration of the tea brands were attributed to the geographical condition, seasonal changes and chemical characteristics of the region where the teas were grown. The overall results of the test showed that some of the tea were adultrated when compared to standard.
