Tea firms refuse to pick orders due to high chemical content beyond FSSAI regulations.
A storm is brewing in this wee mug of tea. Additionally, it might have an effect on the quantity of tea consumed both within the nation and in the global markets to which it is exported. Because the chemical content did not adhere to FSSAI regulations.
Packet tea players have rejected a good volume of first flush teas that they had obtained from the auctions between the middle of April and the end of May for the purpose of selling on the domestic market.
The Federation of All India Tea Traders Association, or FAITTA, is the top trade association for the players in the Packet tea industry in India. These players include Tata Global Beverages. Also Read | Ukraine-Russia crisis: Tea exporters concerned as large volume remains unsold at auctions.
The teas were evaluated by, amongst others, an impartial company called Eurofins Analytical Services India. Eurofins has reported that the chemical content exceeds the maximum residue levels (MRLs) and is not in compliance with the standards set by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).
These teas, which have failed the test, will now be destroyed. However, the trade is concerned that if the message gets out to the global markets, it will have an impact on India’s tea exports at a time when second flush teas are coming to the market; export revenue from these teas is a significant source of revenue for the trade.
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‘The majority of the purchasers have in-house testing facilities, most of which are not, however, NABL approved. Therefore, we had an impartial organization do the tests on the tea. According to the findings of the tests, the levels of various substances have exceeded the permissible level. In addition, we have alerted the Tea Board. We are not going to purchase any teas that do not meet the requirements set by the FSSAI,’ said Viren Shah, chairman, FAITTA.
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