Consumer Forum Reveals Only Two Tea Brands Follow Proper Labeling Rules
A recent investigation by the Consumer Education and Research Centre has uncovered concerning findings about tea packaging in India. The consumer forum tested at least a dozen popular tea brands and discovered that only two companies comply with current package labeling standards.
Testing Reveals Compliance Issues
The Consumer Education and Research Centre conducted thorough examinations of multiple tea products available in the market. They tested well-known brands including Himalaya, Tetley, Gaia, Girnar, and Lipton. The study also included CTC tea brands such as Vatan Tea, Wagh Bakri, Navchetan Tea, Jivraj 9 Tea, Tulsi Tea, and Agni Tea.
Researchers checked these products for common adulterants that sometimes appear in tea products. They looked for used tea leaves, artificial colors, iron fillings, heavy particles, sand, and cereal starch. Fortunately, all tested brands passed these safety checks without showing any adulteration concerns.
The Plant Source Disclosure Problem
Where brands fell short was in proper ingredient disclosure. Among green tea products examined, only Himalaya and Wagh Bakri clearly stated the tea plant source on their packaging. These two brands properly identified Camellia sinensis in their ingredient lists.
Other tested brands failed to mention the plant name at all. This omission leaves consumers unaware of the actual source of their tea products. Without this information, shoppers cannot distinguish between true tea and other plant infusions.
Regulatory Context and Consumer Impact
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India has not yet made plant name disclosure mandatory on tea labels. However, consumer advocates argue this information is essential for informed purchasing decisions.
Anindita Mehta, CEO of CERC, emphasized the importance of transparent labeling. "Clearly stating the source in product labels is essential for informed consumer choices," she explained. "With herbal beverages and packaged teas rapidly growing in popularity, transparent labeling is now more important than ever."
The consumer forum notes that products derived from plants other than Camellia sinensis should be properly labeled as herbal infusions or tisanes. This distinction helps consumers understand exactly what they are purchasing and consuming.
Looking Forward
FSSAI issued a notification about labeling standards last month, though plant source disclosure remains optional rather than mandatory. Consumer advocates continue pushing for greater transparency in food product labeling.
As the packaged tea market expands in India, proper labeling becomes increasingly important. Consumers deserve to know the true nature of the products they purchase for daily consumption.
