From brewing dynamics to population health: A Nationwide investigation of bisphenol analogues contamination and exposure risk in tea from China.

Bisphenol analogues (BPs) are widely used in plastics and food packaging, but their occurrence in Chinese teas and related exposure risks remain unclear. This study measured seven BPs in 220 tea samples from four major tea-producing regions in China (Jiangnan, Jiangbei, Southwestern China and Southern China) and assessed their transfer to infusions and dietary exposure. Total BPs (∑7BPs) in tea leaves were detected in 94.1 % of samples, ranging from <LOD to 75.6 ng/g (median 2.63 ng/g). Median ∑7BPs concentrations varied by region (1.61-6.38 ng/g) and tea type, with oolong showing the highest median (6.07 ng/g) and white tea the lowest (0.49 ng/g). Brewing experiments showed compound-specific migration, with apparent transfer rates up to 96.0 % for BPA. Estimated daily intakes were 1.08 × 10-8-9.21 × 10-2 ng/kg BW/day for adults and 1.08 × 10-8-0.491 ng/kg BW/day for children. Hazard indices (HI) for adults were mostly <1 (median 0.71), whereas children showed higher risk (median HI 3.67), indicating potential concern for high-consuming children. These findings highlight the need to control BPs in the tea supply chain.