Tea is considered India’s traditional beverage. Because of India’s enormous population, several new tea brands have joined the market. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India is taking steps to ensure that only high-quality and secure Tea is supplied and produced in light of the expanding number of Tea enterprises.
The FSSAI has released guidelines that describe the regulations and standards that govern India’s tea industry. In this blog, we will see what is the requirement for FSSAI Licence for tea business in India.
Varieties of Tea as Per FSSAI
To get a clear understanding of FSSAI Licence for tea business in India, it is firstly important to know the classification of tea as per FSSAI, which includes:
1. Tea:
- This includes any tea made from the tender stems, leaves and buds of the Camellia sinensis plant.
- It encompasses the entire range of Black and Oolong tea.
2. Kangra Tea:
- Kangra Tea is a special type of tea made from the stems, buds or leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant, specifically grown in the Kangra and Mandi valleys in India.
- These teas, delicate in nature, possess a unique flavour.
3. Green Tea:
- Green Tea is produced through processes such as drying, rolling and inactivation of the leaves or buds of specific species of the Camellia sinensis plant.
What is the Requirement for FSSAI Licence for Tea Business in India?
Given below are the reasons for requirement for FSSAI Licence for tea business in India:
- Consumers are now more conscious of the safety and quality of the products they consume.
- They prefer products that have been approved by the FSSAI Department and are free from contamination and adulteration.
- In India, a food licence is mandatory for all types of tea operations, including wholesale, retail and import/export.
- Flavoured tea must meet tea quality standards and include proper labelling with declarations of added flavourings.
- Registration with the Tea Board is necessary before marketing flavoured tea.
Essentials of Labelling for FSSAI Licence for Tea Business in India
Before applying for a food licence, FSSAI requires that the product labelling regulations as stipulated by the FSSAI department be followed and that the label reflect all relevant and meaningful information. The following information must be labelled on the product:
·Common Name of the Product:
The product’s commonly known name should be clearly stated on the label.
·Name and the registered address of the manufacturer:
The label also has to include the name as well as regd. address of the organisation/company that is manufacturing the product.
·Date of manufacturing:
The date when the product was manufactured should be mentioned on the label.
·Expiration Date:
The label must clearly display the expiration date or best before date of the product.
·Net Weight of the content by volume, weight or count:
The label should provide accurate information about the net weight or volume of the product.
·Ingredients details with additives:
The label should provide a comprehensive list of all the ingredients used in the product, including any additives or preservatives.
·Packaging Codes/ Batch Number:
The label should include packaging codes or batch numbers that can be used to trace the product back to its manufacturing process.
·Clear, prominent and easily readable content:
The label should have content that is easy to read and understand by consumers. It should be clear and prominent, ensuring that consumers can easily find and comprehend the information provided.
Regulations for FSSAI Licence for Tea Business in India
Following rules and regulations need to be followed by tea businesses as per Agricultural Produce (Grading and Marking) Act, 1937 and other regulations in India:
Regulation 7.3.11 – Sale of Kangra Tea:
Kangra tea can only be sold after obtaining a patent and grading in accordance with the Agricultural Produce (Grading and Marking) Act, 1937 and other relevant regulations.
Regulation 7.3.12 – Sale of Flavoured Tea:
- Manufacturers of flavoured tea must be registered with the Tea Board.
- The packaging label must display the registration number.
- Flavoured tea should be sold in pre-packaged form, following the labelling requirements specified in the policy.
Compliance with FSSAI Licence for tea business in India:
- Tea producers must guarantee that their products are packed and labelled in line with Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) rules.
- The FSSAI has tight restrictions regarding food labelling requirements.
- Manufacturers need to be vigilant in meeting all the necessary requirements to avoid penalties outlined in the Food Safety and Standard (Packaging and Labelling) Regulations, 2011.
Guidelines and Requirements by FSSAI for Tea Industry
The FSSAI has implemented certain rules and regulations that must be adhered to by tea businesses. These regulations include:
1. Prohibition of Colorants:
- The FSSAI strictly prohibits the use of any artificial colorants in tea.
- However, the use of pectinase enzyme, up to a maximum of 0.2 percent, is allowed to enhance the flavour attributes of the tea.
2. Authorisation of Organic and Natural Ingredients:
- Tea manufacturers are authorised to use organic ingredients and natural food colouring ingredients in their products.
- This emphasises the importance of using natural and wholesome components in tea production.
3. FSSAI Registration:
- Tea enterprises, involved in activities such as production, marketing and retail, are required to obtain FSSAI registration.
- This registration is similar to the registration process for other food-related businesses in India.
- It ensures that tea businesses comply with the food safety and quality standards set by FSSAI.
Tea Product Testing and Approval Guidelines for FSSAI Licence for Tea Business in India
Given below are some additional testing and approval guidelines for FSSAI Licence for tea business in India:
NABL laboratories
Before a food product is launched to the market, numerous regulations, laws, guidelines and other elements relevant to food safety must be evaluated. Tea must pass a number of certifications and assessments in India. To ensure compliance with the FSSAI requirements, all tea produced in the country must be tested in NABL labs.
Product Approval Standards
The goods must also be approved by the FSSAI. Tea producers must stay up to date on the law because it changes frequently as the FSSAI modifies its rules and practises. It is a good idea to collaborate with a trained FSSAI expert to meet all compliance standards and obtain the necessary licence or registration.
Final Thoughts
India’s tea industry has experienced substantial growth due to the nation’s deep-seated tea consumption customs and the expanding population. Consequently, the FSSAI has implemented tough standards aimed at guaranteeing the production and promotion of tea that is both of premium quality and safe for consumption. In order to operate within the bounds of the law, it is necessary to secure an FSSAI licence for tea business in India, in addition to several other essential licences and registrations.
Compliance with labelling requirements, adherence to tea varieties specified by the FSSAI and meeting the guidelines for product testing and approval are crucial for tea businesses in India. By adhering to these regulations, tea businesses can maintain the safety, quality and credibility of their products in the market.
For more information on FSSAI licence for tea businesses in India, connect with our experts at StartupFino.
