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It is also of interest to record an apparent fall in the average lead content of all samples
taken since the Regulations came into force. The following Table shows the averages for the
principal tea exporting countries, the 1962 averages being calculated separately for comparison
with those of the proceeding years, 1959-1961, and all samples containing lead in excess of
10 parts per million being excluded.

In quoting the above averages it should be apprehended that they are based upon the samples
submitted for analysis. The true average lead contents of all tea imported from the countries
mentioned will in all probability be slightly lower, because of the preponderance of dusts, fannings,
damaged and lower grades of tea in the samples selected for analysis; but while the Port Inspectors'
practice continues a comparison between successive year's averages should be valid.
Although the exact origin of every parcel of tea is not always known, information available
has been sufficient to enable the public analyst to compile records showing the lead content of
tea from 330 different estates. From these records it would appear that variations between different
grades at the same estate do occasionally occur, some of the dusts tending to give higher
lead figures.
RADIOACTIVITY OF TEA SAMPLES
During May a number of samples of tea, selected at random, from Japan, India, Congo,
Tanganyika, Kenya, Ceylon, Argentina, China and Indonesia, were submitted to examination for
assessment of radioactive contamination and possible radiation hazard.
At the same time, samples of a particular shipment which had passed through an area of
possible fall-out were also submitted.
The examinations were carried out by Dr. F.H. Kendall, F.R.I.C., at the Sir John Cass
College, Jewry Street, E.C.3. who reported as follows:—
"Comparison of the activities of the supposedly contaminated specimens with.those from a
range of normal un-contaminated samples shows that there is no detectable difference. Since
the measurement technique is sensitive to all forms of radiation except very low energy beta
radiation (e.g. tritium) it may be safely concluded that contamination by fall out is negligible.
The low level of activity present in all samples probably consists of naturally occurring
radionuclides taken up from the soil, air and water of the tea plants enviroment".
FERTILISERS AND FEEDING STUFFS ACT, 1926
FERTILISERS AND FEEDING STUFFS REGULATIONS, 1955
Eleven samples of Feeding Stuffs were submitted to the Agricultural Analyst.
In each case the sample was found to be within the limits of variation permissible under the
Regulations.
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