Teas fail quality tests

A batch of rose petal tea made and sold by Shanghai Carrefour Foods Industry Co failed quality tests administered by the city's market watchdog.

The tea failed due to excessive lead content, the Shanghai Administration for Market Regulation said on Wednesday.

The tea was manufactured in July by the company based in Songjiang District, according to the administration. Further investigation is underway.

Lead is toxic and its consumption can have serious health consequences, the administration warned.

Another batch of ginger tea made and sold by Shanghai Juxianglou Food Co Ltd failed for excessive sulfur dioxide, with the amount detected almost triple the limit allowed by China's national standards, the administration said.

It was manufactured in June.

Sulfur dioxide can be used as a food preservative, but too much can cause dizziness, vomiting and diarrhea, doctors warn.

In total, 710 batches of food including tea, pastry, meat and infant formula were checked by the administration, and three were found to be substandard.