NEW DELHI: Leading national and global brands of tea sold in India contain pesticides, Greenpeace India said Monday. The Tea Board of India refuted the allegation, saying Indian teas were "totally safe" and meet high standards.

"Indian tea is a national pride and it should not be the one linked to toxic chemicals with serious environmental and health risks. All stakeholders in the tea industry should come forward and take steps to safeguard the reputation of our national drink," said Neha Saigal, senior campaigner for Greenpeace India.

The Tea Board of India later said in a statement: "... having reviewed the findings of the Greenpeace study, (we) can confirm that all the samples tested comply with the Indian laws and regulations, designed to protect consumers. Indian teas are well regarded the world over and are totally safe following stringent standards."

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