TAI refutes allegations of artificial colours used in packaged tea

In the wake of recent allegations made by the Federation of All India Tea Traders’ Associations (FAITTA) about use of artificial colours in packaged tea products, the Tea Association of India (TAI) has issued a clarification reaffirming the “unswerving commitment of its tea producers to the highest standards of authenticity, quality, and ethical practices”.

The TAI emphasized that its members diligently adhere to all regulatory requirements and industry norms, “upholding the integrity of the tea production process. Each tea sample submitted by producers undergoes rigorous evaluation by buyers, ensuring the highest quality standards are met before any purchasing decisions are made. Therefore, any unethical practices such as mixing artificial colors would be promptly identified during this assessment phase, with appropriate measures taken by the buyers,” TAI said in a statement issued today.

“We believe that FAITTA’s statement may have been misconstrued. They were possibly suggesting that there are unscrupulous traders or retail sellers who might resort to such practices. They were possibly not suggesting that these unethical practices represent the broader tea-producing community. We firmly believe that this issue, while important, should not overshadow the tireless efforts of ethical producers who are committed to delivering high-quality and authentic tea products.” said President of TAI, Ajay Jalan.

The Federation of All India Tea Traders Association (FAITTA) has disclosed the presence of artificial colouring in tea leaves from various brands. The disclosure was made during the 9th Annual General Meeting of FAITTA, where concerns were raised about the potential health hazards associated with consuming chemically treated tea products on August 19.

Banajit Dasgupta, Senior Advisor of FAITTA, expressed grave concerns about the findings, stating, “The samples of the tea packets have been examined, and we have noticed that there is the added colouring – these are chemical colours that can be found in both packaged and loose tea. These are not natural colours, and their addition goes against the regulations set by the Food Safety authorities. The use of such additives is not only harmful to health but also misleading for consumers.”

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