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Tea board continuously working on trade measures

BNE ADMIN


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Guwahati: The Tea Board of India stated that it has been working hard to ensure that the stipulated requirements are met.

The board was forced to issue this declaration after statements in the press revealed that some portions of the tea trade were not complying with maximum residue levels (MRLs) in teas. This caused a tremendous outcry in the business and negatively impacted the reputation of the Indian tea industry, significantly impacting tea prices during the peak quality season of the second flush.

In a circular to all tea producers' associations, Tea Board Controller of Licensing Rajanigandha Seal Naskar stated that the board received a letter in May from the Chairman of the Federation of All India Tea Traders Associations (FAITTA) regarding the failure of teas purchased through auctions under the Food Safety and Standards Act and Regulations.

FAITTA has stated that they have employed M/S Eurofins Analytical Services India Limited to test the teas acquired through auction sales by various customers, and these are the teas that failed the FSSAI tea tasting requirements and are not fit for human consumption.

The Tea Research Association (TRA), which oversees research and development for 75 percent of Indian tea production, has said that it is redesigning integrated pest-management techniques to guarantee that association members comply with all parts of FSSAI standards.

The TRA stated that it is working with the Government of India's Ministries of Health and Family Welfare and Agriculture to bring in additional compounds containing MRL for the tea sector.

According to the organization, samples that failed in particular laboratories succeeded in labs with worldwide recognition in global proficiency examinations. Some teas are out of compliance due to MRL detection values established for specific constituents, which the FSSAI has previously increased upwards and reported through a draught notice on August 20, 2020.

According to the Tea Board, tea is monitored at regular intervals. Substandard teas are not authorised to be marketed if they are discovered. It also takes action, depending on the type of infraction, by canceling or suspending registrations under the Tea Act and its numerous control orders.

BNE ADMIN