LAHORE: Health professionals are sounding the alarm over the health risks associated with the illicit trade of sub-standard tea, warning that it often contains hazardous substances like dyes, sawdust, and even pigeon blood, posing significant health risks to consumers.
Experts say that unsafe practices in the informal tea sector are contributing to an increase in stomach-related diseases, harming the health of unsuspecting consumers.
They say high taxes and tariffs on legally imported tea have made smuggled tea an appealing option, especially for lower-income groups. The price difference between legal and illegal tea products encourages consumers to choose the cheaper, albeit dangerous, option.
Illicit tea, available at lower prices, undermines legitimate businesses and deprives the government of essential revenue for public services and infrastructure.
Currently, the illicit tea market makes up about 30pc of Pakistan's total tea market, resulting in an estimated annual revenue loss of approximately Rs10 billion due to evaded import duties and taxes.
"Pakistan, one of the largest tea-consuming countries globally, with an annual consumption exceeding 200,000 tons, faces significant economic losses and health risks due to the growing illicit tea trade," noted Osama Siddiqui, a macroeconomic analyst, calling for urgent measures to address this issue.
Siddiqui suggested a multi-faceted approach, including stricter enforcement of import regulations and raising public awareness about the health hazards of smuggled tea. "Addressing the root causes of this trade and promoting safer, legal alternatives can pave the way towards a healthier and more prosperous future for Pakistan," he concluded.