Choice Organic Teas Receives Gluten-Free Certification

Choice Organic Teas was certified gluten-free by the Gluten Intolerance Group earlier this month. Founded in Seattle in 1989, Choice Organic Teas is already a Fair Trade Certified and Non-GMO Verified organic tea company. “Customers who are celiac or have gluten sensitivity can rest easy when choosing one of our products,” said Ray Lacorte, VP of operations. “Consumers may not think about the potential for gluten contamination in their tea, but everything from packaging facilities to tea bags to additives within tea can contain gluten. It was important for us to receive this certification to give our customers additional peace of mind when choosing Choice Organic Teas.” Most consumers are unaware that gluten can be an issue in the tea manufacturing process. While Camellia sinensis, the plant from which tea comes, does not contain any gluten on own its own, manufacturers sometimes introduce gluten as an additive to tea products. For example, flavors made with grains containing gluten may be added to the tea. Barley malt can also be used as a sweetener and roasted barley itself can be made into tea. Some tea companies may use gluten-containing glue to close their tea bags, while the Choice Organic Teas’ bags are sewn shut, company officials say. “With an increasing number of customers concerned about gluten contamination in their diets, we are pleased to offer the added confidence of a third party verification from the Gluten Intolerance Group,” says Anne-Marie Phillips, head of sales and marketing. “We are now part of more than 10,000 products produced in 15 countries verified as safe for gluten-free persons to consume. The GF logo on our products signifies the independent verification of product quality, integrity and purity.”