Tea, soft drinks and corn syrups analyzed for presence of harmful chemicals pose no threat for human consumption, according to studies conducted by Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) as part of its measures to maintain strong food safety system in Canada.

Two separate tests were carried out, where in the first test, dried tea samples were analyzed for the presence of pesticide residues, mercury and other metals and in the second, soft drinks and corn syrups were analyzed for the presence of mercury.

Since 2009, CFIA has been analyzing the samples of dried tea, soft drinks and corn syrups every year to find out any traces of mercury or pesticide residues.

In the 2009-2010 and 2010-2011 studies, the agency found that the levels of mercury were constant, stayed within the standards and did not pose any health concern to consumers.

Based on the results of the studies, CFIA pointed out that low consumption of tea and other beverages do not help a person meet even his minimum levels of mercury dietary intake.

CFIA also conducted a similar study in 2011-2012 and is conducting yet another one this year to verify that products remain safe.

These studies help the agency to determine up to what contamination level or frequency of exposure does the product stands safe for human consumption and enable it to take measures either by product seizure or recall.