We generally take all findings regarding the quality of teas as an opportunity to further optimize the extensive joint quality assurance measures. The difficulties and challenges lie in the fact that there are over 1000 different types of pesticides on the market, such as the controversial glyphosate. Analytical testing for residues is very complex and expensive due to this variety.
However, there is a big difference between a food product that is consumed entirely (e.g., fruits and vegetables) and one that is only partially consumed. Even with a relatively high pollutant load, only about 10% of the pollutants from the leaves transfer into the finished brewed drink. While this is reassuring, it is still unsatisfactory.
Teas from organic cultivation are an alternative. All our organic teas come from controlled organic cultivation (k.B.A.). Therefore, pesticide contamination can generally be ruled out. Compliance with the strict organic guidelines in the cultivation areas is ensured by the responsible organic inspection bodies on site. Our organic inspection body is GfRS, the Society for Resource Protection, in Göttingen. Our organic inspection body number is DE-ÖKO-039.
And for all our teas (including teas from conventional cultivation), the following naturally applies: Every tea distributed through a wholesaler must first be analyzed in the country of production itself. This means that the wholesaler commissions internationally certified laboratories directly on site in China, Japan, etc., to check the respective tea for residues. If a tea exceeds the limit values, it may not be imported into the EU.
We source our teas from a renowned German tea importer based in Bremen, who has been active in the tea business for many decades and regularly inspects the tea plantations on site. In addition, our products are also regularly examined by the state food surveillance responsible for us. So far, all controls have been without analytical complaints.
