New Delhi, Mar 25 (KNN) To ensure sale of quality teas both in domestic and foreign markets, the tea industry is now equipped with laboratories accredited and recognized by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).

FSSAI has set the quality criterion for different Indian tea (black, green and Kangra) with regard to fitness for human consumption.

Various quality parameters, including checking of pesticide residues, presence of heavy metals, natural toxic substances and iron fillings, are being currently monitored under FSSAI.

It has also time to time modified and updated the different parameters in respect to quality which will be suitable for Indian consumers as well as to facilitate smooth tea trade.

Tlabs, a chain of labs under the Tea Research Association (TRA) in Kolkata, is a pesticide-residue laboratory, which has been recently notified by FSSAI.

The basic job of the lab is pesticide-residue testing and testing of quality parameters and to ensure compliance of teas for sale within India and abroad.

These laboratories are being used by the tea industry and many merchant exporters to test their samples of tea meant for exports.

The lab in Kolkata has been playing a crucial role in monitoring tea quality since its inception. (KNN/JM)