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FDA Fact Sheet
T95-15                                       Brad Stone
March 23, 1995                            (202) 205-4144
 
 
     FDA CAUTIONS CONSUMERS ON "KOMBUCHA MUSHROOM TEA"
 
FDA has been receiving inquiries about "Kombucha mushroom tea" --
a product which has been mentioned in media reports lately for many
uses, from inducing a general state of well being to treating
diseases such as AIDS and cancer.  FDA has not approved this
product as a treatment for any medical condition.  The following
information can be used to answer questions:
 
Kombucha mushroom tea, also known as "Manchurian tea" or "Kargasok
tea," is not actually derived from a mushroom, but from the
fermentation of various yeasts and bacteria.  A starter culture is
added to a mixture of black tea and sugar, and the resulting mix is
allowed to ferment for a week or more.
 
The product contains considerable quantities of acids commonly
found in some foods such as vinegar, and smaller quantities of
ethyl alcohol.  Because the acid could leach harmful quantities of
lead and other toxic elements from certain types of containers--
some ceramic and painted containers and lead crystal -- such
containers should not be used for storing Kombucha tea.
 
The unconventional nature of the process used to make Kombucha tea
has led to questions as to whether the product could become
contaminated with potentially harmful microorganisms, such as the
mold Aspergillus.  Such contamination could produce serious adverse
effects in immune-compromised individuals.
 
FDA studies have found no evidence of contamination in Kombucha
products fermented under sterile conditions.  FDA and state of
California inspections of the facilities of a major Kombucha tea
supplier also found that its product was being manufactured under
sanitary conditions.
 
However, the agency still has concerns that home-brewed versions of
this tea manufactured under non-sterile conditions may be prone to
microbiological contamination.  FDA will continue to monitor the
situation and encourages consumers to consult appropriate health
professionals for the treatment of serious diseases.
 
 
FDA Fact Sheet
T95-15
March 23, 1995