The quality of various types of tea from shops in Prague (Czech Republic) in respect to microfungal contamination was investigated. AlL together, 40samples of tea were tested including black, green and herbal teas. Eighty-one species of microfungi were detected. Aspergillus niger agg. was found to be the most frequent. Great differences were recorded in microfungal species composition between various kinds of tea. However, when using the Monte Carlo Permutation test in CCA, we did not find any correlation between microfungi and type of tea. Aflatoxin production was not proven in any of the tested strains. Colony forming units (CFU) did not exceed the limits valid in the Czech Republic.
Řezáčová V., Kubátová A. (2005): Saprobic microfungi in tea (Camellia sinensis) and dried herbs. – Czech Mycology 57(1-2): 79–89.
