Home » Tea Flavonoid Testing Methodology Announced

The Tea Association of the USA, Inc.

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July 17, 2003


TO: The Global Tea Industry

FROM: Joe Simrany, President

RE: Special Tea Association of the USA Member Benefit
Standard Methodology for the Determination of Tea Flavonoids

Dear Members of the Global Tea Community:

We are pleased to announce the availability of a Standard Methodology for the Determination of Flavonoids in tea. This methodology may be used to determine the antioxidant content of virtually any type of tea, including Ready-To-Drink tea. It will provide a common testing procedure for the entire industry that has proven to be accurate and reproducible.

This test has been painstakingly developed over the last three years thanks, in great part, to the technical resources of Unilever Bestfoods with input from several of our larger members including the Tetley Group Ltd. Until the development of this procedure, the detection of Flavonoids in tea, especially in Black Tea, has proven to be elusive. As a consequence, the scientific community, the media, and even the trade have been confused as to the relative health benefits of Black versus Green Tea.

Because the methodology is so sensitive to variations in procedure, two labs have undergone extensive training to ensure they are familiar with the test. Consequently, we suggest that initial testing take place at either of these labs, identified in the accompanying pages. In light of the role that the Tea Association has played in the development of this test, special discounts have been arranged for all Tea Association members. When contacting the labs, please identify yourself as a member and, after verification, they will grant the discounts.

This is an exciting period of time for the Tea Industry as it most likely represents a turning point whereby consumers will be more attracted to tea than ever before. Special thanks, once again, to Unilever Bestfoods (Lipton) and to all of our Tea Association of the USA members for providing the funds and resources to make the development of this methodology possible.