US FDA officially recognises tea as 'healthy' beverage, Indian Tea Association calls it 'pivotal development'

The Indian Tea Association, the country’s oldest organisation of tea producers, welcomed the FDA’s decision.

The North Eastern Tea Association (NETA) and the Indian Tea Association (ITA) have expressed their delight at the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA)’s recognition of tea derived from the plant Camellia sinensis as a healthy beverage. This announcement has been hailed as a landmark moment for the global tea industry, reinforcing the beverage’s numerous health benefits.

On December 19, the FDA issued a final rule updating the “healthy” nutrient content claim, aimed at helping consumers identify foods that support dietary recommendations. As part of this update, tea made from Camellia sinensis has been included as a beverage eligible for the “healthy” descriptor.

Peter F Goggi, President of the Tea Association of the USA, described the recognition as “fantastic news” for the global tea sector. He emphasised the significant implications this decision has for the industry’s ability to market tea as a health-promoting beverage.

NETA advisor and former Vice-Chairman of the Tea Board of India, Bidyananda Borkakoty, echoed similar sentiments. “We are delighted with the FDA recognition. Research worldwide has highlighted the health benefits of drinking tea. We urge the government of India to promote tea as a healthy lifestyle and wellness beverage,” he said.

The FDA statement shared by NETA noted the agency’s prior acknowledgment of Camellia sinensis in a response to a petition concerning the relationship between green tea and certain cancers. However, the agency clarified that it does not extend the “healthy” claim to herbal teas made from other plants, such as chamomile, peppermint, ginger, lavender, hibiscus, butterfly pea flower, or masala tea.

“At this time, we do not have sufficient information to determine whether herbal infusions should automatically qualify for the ‘healthy’ claim. We, therefore, extend automatic qualification for the ‘healthy’ claim to tea derived from Camellia sinensis and not to herbal infusions,” the FDA stated.

The ITA, the country’s oldest organisation of tea producers, welcomed the FDA’s decision as a pivotal development for the industry. In a statement issued on Friday, the association said the recognition aligns with a growing body of scientific evidence highlighting the health benefits of tea.

“The Indian Tea Association is pleased that the US FDA has issued a final rule updating the ‘healthy’ nutrient content claim, which now includes tea as an officially recognised ‘healthy’ beverage. This significant development allows manufacturers to voluntarily label tea products with the ‘healthy’ claim, provided they meet the updated criteria,” the ITA said.

The association highlighted the FDA’s Executive Summary, which noted that beverages such as water, tea, and coffee containing 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 empowers consumers to make informed choices,” the ITA added. “It underscores the numerous health benefits of tea, which is rich in antioxidants and linked to various health advantages.”

“As the world increasingly turns to healthier dietary options, the association and its member companies remain dedicated to ensuring that Indian tea continues to be a cherished beverage both in India and abroad,” the ITA stated.