Boba tea lovers in Lubbock might want to think twice before grabbing their next cup. Recent testing conducted by Consumer Reports revealed trace amounts of lead in some boba pearls. The discovery has sparked statewide discussions about food safety, imported ingredients, and consumer protection here in Texas.
What Is Boba and Why Lead Might Be in It
Boba, also known as tapioca pearls, is typically made from cassava starch imported from Asia. Cassava, a root vegetable, can absorb heavy metals like lead from the soil. According to Consumer Reports:
Lead is naturally found in the Earth’s crust. There’s also significant lead contamination in much of the world’s soil due to industrial pollution and the past use of leaded gasoline and lead-based pesticides.
The Health Risks of Lead Exposure
Lead is a toxic metal that can cause serious health issues, especially for young children, pregnant women, and older adults. Even…..