The Indian Tea Association (ITA), the oldest organization of tea producers in the country, on Friday welcomed the US Food and Drug Administration’s recognition of tea as a ‘healthy’ beverage and said this recognition is in line with the growing body of scientific evidence that the supports health benefits. of tea.
“The Indian Tea Association is pleased that the US FDA has issued a final rule updating the ‘healthy’ nutritional content claim, now including tea as an officially recognized ‘healthy’ beverage. This important development allows manufacturers to voluntarily label tea products with the claim ‘healthy’, provided they meet the updated criteria,” ITA said in a statement.
“The summary of the FDA’s announcement noted that all water, tea, and coffee with less than 5 calories per reference amount usually consumed (RACC) and per labeled serving automatically qualifies for the ‘healthy’ claim. “The recognition is in line with the growing body of scientific evidence supporting the health benefits of tea, which is rich in antioxidants and has been linked to several health benefits,” the association said.
According to ITA, this recognition is a “pivotal moment” for the tea industry as it not only validates the nutritional value of tea, but also allows consumers to make informed choices. “This decision underlines the numerous health benefits of tea and reinforces our commitment to promoting tea as a healthy beverage choice,” the report said.
The premier tea producers’ association said that as the world increasingly shifts to healthier food options, the association and its member companies remain committed to producing quality tea and promoting the benefits of Indian tea, to ensure it remains a beloved beverage , both in India and abroad. .
