Matcha, a popular Japanese green tea powder known for its vibrant green color and claimed health benefits, has been found contaminated with aluminum in a study conducted by the French consumer organization Que Choisir. The organization tested seven different brands of matcha and found aluminum in all of them. According to the findings, four of the brands exceeded the reference toxicological value (VTR) of 40 micrograms per kilogram and per day, as set by France’s National Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health Safety (Anses). This value represents the maximum amount of aluminum considered safe for daily consumption. The study highlighted that the least expensive brands performed worst on most of Que Choisir's criteria, including levels of aluminum and other contaminants. The health agency has established that aluminum exposure can have toxic effects on the central nervous system and bone tissue. Unlike regular tea, matcha is made by finely grinding tencha leaves into a powder, which is then consumed in its entirety, potentially leading to the ingestion of all contaminants present in the powder. The tea plant, which is used to make matcha, naturally accumulates metals present in acidic and volcanic soils. Currently, there is no regulation setting a maximum allowed dose of aluminum in tea. This lack of regulation means that the levels of aluminum found in some matcha products could pose a health risk, particularly for regular consumers. To avoid potential risks, Que Choisir recommends limiting the consumption of matcha and related products such as matcha cakes. The organization is urging consumers to be cautious and consider the potential health implications of regular matcha intake, especially given the absence of strict regulatory oversight.