US FDA Recognises Tea as 'Healthy' Beverage, Industry Celebrates Milestone

The North Eastern Tea Association (NETA) and the Indian Tea Association (ITA) have lauded the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) decision to recognise tea derived from Camellia sinensis as a healthy beverage.

This milestone supports longstanding claims from the global tea industry regarding the drink's various health advantages.

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On 19 December, the FDA issued a final rule revising the definition of the "healthy" nutrient content claim to help consumers identify foods in line with dietary guidelines.

As part of this update, tea made from Camellia sinensis has been deemed eligible for the "healthy" label.

Peter F. Goggi, President of the Tea Association of the USA, described the recognition as "fantastic news" for the global tea industry, underlining its potential to promote tea as a health-focused beverage. Similarly, Bidyananda Borkakoty, NETA advisor and former Vice-Chairman of the Tea Board of India, expressed his enthusiasm. "We are delighted with the FDA's recognition. Research worldwide underscores the health benefits of tea. We urge the Indian government to promote tea as a wellness and lifestyle beverage," he remarked.

In a statement shared by NETA, the FDA referenced prior research linking Camellia sinensis to health benefits, including its potential role in reducing the risk of certain cancers. However, the FDA clarified that the "healthy" claim does not extend to herbal teas derived from other plants, such as chamomile, peppermint, ginger, lavender, hibiscus, butterfly pea flower, or masala tea.

"At this time, we lack sufficient evidence to automatically qualify herbal infusions for the 'healthy' claim," the FDA stated. "This designation applies solely to tea derived from Camellia sinensis."

The Indian Tea Association (ITA), the oldest body representing Indian tea producers, hailed the FDA's decision as a landmark for the tea industry.

"The Indian Tea Association is pleased that the FDA has officially recognised tea as a 'healthy' beverage under its updated criteria. This allows manufacturers to voluntarily label tea products with the 'healthy' claim, provided they meet the specified standards," the ITA noted.

The ITA also highlighted the FDA's Executive Summary, which states that beverages such as water, tea, and coffee with fewer than five calories per Reference Amount Customarily Consumed (RACC) and per labelled serving automatically qualify for the "healthy" designation.

"This decision validates the nutritional value of tea and enables consumers to make informed choices," the ITA added.

"Tea's richness in antioxidants and its association with numerous health benefits make this recognition particularly significant."