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Tea Testing Services

 

Tea, one of the most widely consumed beverages globally, is available in many varieties such as black, green, and herbal teas. Each type offers unique taste profiles, aromas, and potential health benefits. However, tea can also be exposed to contaminants during cultivation, processing, or storage. In India, ensuring tea safety and quality is a regulatory priority, guided by bodies like the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) and the Tea Board of India, along with international standards including ISO and the Codex Alimentarius.

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Comprehensive Tea Testing by YMC

 

YMC delivers extensive testing solutions to ensure tea products comply with safety standards and quality expectations. Using advanced analytical instrumentation and specialized laboratory practices, YMC supports regulatory compliance and consumer trust.

 

1. Chemical & Toxicological Testing

 

Tea leaves can absorb various hazardous substances throughout their life cycle. YMC offers in-depth analysis of chemical contaminants to safeguard consumer health.

Key Parameters:

• Pesticide Residue Analysis: Detecting and quantifying residues to verify compliance with safety thresholds.

• Heavy Metal Detection: Screening for toxic elements such as lead, mercury, cadmium, and arsenic.

• Mycotoxins Monitoring: Identification of fungal toxins like aflatoxins which may develop during improper storage.

 

2. Caffeine Content Determination

 

Caffeine content in tea varies across types and preparation methods. YMC performs accurate measurements to support proper labelling and product classification.

 

3. Antioxidant and Polyphenol Profiling

 

Teas are rich in natural antioxidants, including polyphenols, which contribute to health benefits. YMC quantifies these components to support nutritional claims and quality benchmarks.

 

4. Microbiological Testing

 

Tea must be free from microbial contamination to ensure it is safe for consumption.

Key Parameters:

• Pathogen Screening: Detection of harmful bacteria like Salmonella and E. coli.

• Total Plate Count (TPC): Evaluates microbial load and overall hygienic quality of tea samples.

 

5. Sensory Evaluation

 

Sensory analysis is crucial in assessing tea’s flavour, aroma, colour, and appearance. YMC conducts professional sensory evaluations to ensure consistent consumer satisfaction.

 

6. Regulatory Standards and Compliance

FSSAI Tea Standards – India

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• General Quality Standards:

  • Applies to all types of tea except Kangra tea.

  • Must be free of mustiness, foreign odours, moulds, insects, and contaminants.

  • Use of natural flavours and flavouring substances is permitted; added colours are prohibited.

  • Mandatory display of Tea Board registration number on flavoured teas.

  • Pectinase allowed up to 0.2% as a processing aid.

• Chemical Specifications:

  • Total Ash: 0–8.0% (dry basis)

  • Water-Soluble Ash: ≥45% of total ash

  • Alkalinity of Water-Soluble Ash: 0–3.0% as KOH

  • Acid-Insoluble Ash: ≤1.0%

  • Water Extract: ≥32.0%

  • Crude Fibre: ≤16.5%

  • Iron Filings: ≤250 mg/kg

• Special Categories:

  • Kangra Tea: Grown in Himachal Pradesh, subject to unique compositional limits.

  • Green Tea: Requires enzyme inactivation; catechin content must range between 9.0–19.0%.

  • Instant Tea: Derived through aqueous extraction; subject to distinct soluble ash and moisture requirements.

• Labelling & Registration:
  Flavoured tea manufacturers must register with the Tea Board. Only compliant teas can be used in flavoured blends.

 

7. International Regulations – European Union

 

The EU has stringent pesticide residue laws. According to Regulation (EU) 2023/377, the Maximum Residue Limit (MRL) for nicotine in tea has been lowered to 0.5 mg/kg, reflecting ongoing updates in food safety measures.

 

8. Advanced Analytical Techniques

 

YMC uses sophisticated tools and methodologies to provide highly accurate and reliable test results:

• Chromatography (HPLC, GC-MS): Detailed chemical composition analysis

• ICP-MS (Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry): Trace metal detection

• FTIR Spectroscopy: Identification of organic compounds

 

9. Consultation & Quality Assurance

 

In addition to lab testing, YMC offers expert advisory services to help tea manufacturers navigate regulatory frameworks and elevate product standards.

• Regulatory Support: Guidance on national and international compliance requirements

• Product Development: Support for optimizing blends and achieving label claims

• Risk Assessment: Evaluating toxicity and safety of tea ingredients and contaminants

 

YMC remains committed to enhancing the safety, authenticity, and quality of tea products—helping brands gain consumer trust and maintain regulatory confidence worldwide.

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