Quality Signs | Mountain Tea

Quality Signs

Consumers who choose to purchase organic tea often do so because they are concerned about the health and environmental impacts of the products they consume. To ensure that the tea they purchase meets their standards, many consumers pay significant attention to the means of verification of the products they buy. Among the various means of verification, organic certifications are some of the most widely recognized and trusted. These certifications provide assurance that the tea has been produced using sustainable and environmentally responsible methods, without the use of synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, or genetically modified organisms (GMOs). In this chapter, we will explore some of the most commonly recognized quality control systems recognised locally in Georgia and internationally.

Georgian government quality marks

In accordance with the legislation of Georgia, the government presents 4 main marks as quality marks that can be used for tea products. These are quality marks:

Bio in conversion - confirms that the product is undergoing the organic product certification process according to the government decree on organic production of Georgia

Bio-product - the product is meeting the requirement defined in Georgina government decree for bio-product production.

Georgian quality - confirms that the raw material of the product is of Georgian origin

Mountain product - confirms the place of production of the product if its raw materials were produced in the territory with the status of a high mountain region and its processing was completed no more than 40 km from the place of production.

Internationally recognized quality signed

In the vast world of tea, where countless varieties, regions, and brands compete for consumers' attention, internationally recognized quality seals have become trusted indicators of authenticity and excellence. These seals, awarded by reputable international bodies, play a vital role in guiding both producers and consumers. In this article, we will discuss the most well-known quality seals for tea.

HACCP

HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points), rooted in a systematic methodology, is dedicated to upholding food safety by pinpointing and regulating potential threats throughout the food production journey. Initially conceptualized in the 1960s for NASA's space endeavors, HACCP has evolved into an internationally recognized benchmark for food safety protocols.

At its core, HACCP emphasizes anticipatory measures to mitigate risks rather than merely focusing on final product evaluations. It has garnered widespread adoption across the food sector, from manufacturing to retail, standing as an essential mechanism to safeguard food quality and consumer well-being.

Obtaining HACCP certification transcends a mere accreditation stamp. It signifies a business's unwavering commitment to the health and safety of its clientele. In today's era, where food security is of utmost importance, such a certification stands out as a crucial determinant for discerning consumers and stakeholders. Embracing HACCP certification, thus, translates to building credibility, fostering trust, and ensuring the enduring growth of a food enterprise.

ISO 22000

ISO 22000, a global benchmark for food safety, sets the guidelines for an integrated food safety management system (FSMS), embedding the core principles of HACCP. It merges diverse food safety protocols, addressing the complexities of the current worldwide food supply. By adhering to this standard, businesses not only fortify their food safety measures but also cultivate trust and reliability among consumers and industry peers.
bio german organic

Bio German Organic is a certification process and label that is used to certify organic food and farming practices in Germany. The Bio German Organic label is widely recognized in Germany and across the European Union as a symbol of high-quality, sustainable, and environmentally responsible food production.
To become Bio German Organic certified, farmers and food producers must meet strict standards for organic production. These standards prohibit the use of synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, and genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in the production of organic products. Organic farmers are required to use natural methods to manage pests, weeds, and diseases, and to improve soil quality.

USDA organic

The USDA organic certification is a certification process for agricultural products, including food and fiber, that have been grown and processed according to strict federal guidelines. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) oversees this certification process, which aims to ensure that organic products are produced using sustainable agricultural practices that promote the health of the environment and consumers.

To receive the USDA organic certification, farmers and food producers must meet a set of standards that dictate how their products are grown, processed, and labeled. These standards prohibit the use of synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, and genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in the production of organic products.

Organic farmers are required to use natural methods to manage pests, weeds, and diseases, and to improve soil quality. They must also use only approved materials for crop and livestock production. Additionally, organic livestock must have access to the outdoors and be fed only organic feed.

Once a farm or food producer has met all of the USDA organic standards, they may use the USDA organic label on their products. This label helps consumers identify products that have been produced according to these rigorous standards.

Fair trade

Fair trade certification is a certification process that aims to promote ethical and sustainable trade practices and ensure that farmers and workers in developing countries receive fair prices for their products. Fairt rade certification organizations work with farmers and producers to establish fair prices for their products, which helps to improve their economic and social conditions.

To receive fair trade certification, farmers and producers must meet a set of standards that address issues such as labor rights, fair pricing, sustainable production practices, and community development. For example, fair trade certification requires that farmers and workers receive fair wages and have safe working conditions. It also requires that producers use environmentally sustainable farming practices, such as limiting the use of harmful chemicals and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

B corporation

B Corporation (also known as B Corp) is a certification process and designation that aims to identify and promote companies that meet certain social and environmental standards. B Corps are businesses that have been certified by the nonprofit organization B Lab to meet rigorous standards of social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency.

To become a B Corp, a company must meet strict criteria across a range of categories, including governance, workers, community, environment, and customers. These criteria are designed to ensure that B Corps are creating value for all stakeholders, not just shareholders, and that they are committed to using their business as a force for good.

B Corp certification requires companies to undergo a rigorous assessment process, which includes completing an online assessment, providing documentation to support their answers, and undergoing a verification process. Once a company has been certified, it is required to maintain a certain level of performance and transparency, which is assessed on an ongoing basis.

Non-gmo

Non-GMO certification is a certification process that verifies that a product does not contain genetically modified organisms (GMOs). GMOs are plants, animals, or microorganisms whose genetic material has been altered using genetic engineering techniques. Non-GMO certification aims to provide consumers with an assurance that the product they are purchasing is free of genetically modified ingredients.

Non-GMO certification is an important tool for consumers who are concerned about the potential health and environmental impacts of GMOs and want to make informed choices about the products they purchase. By choosing products that have been certified as non-GMO, consumers can support companies that are committed to using natural and sustainable agricultural practices and promote a healthier, more sustainable food system.

Soil association organic

The Soil Association Organic is a certification process and designation that is used to certify organic food and farming in the United Kingdom. The Soil Association is a nonprofit organization that is dedicated to promoting sustainable and organic farming practices, and its certification scheme is widely recognized as one of the most rigorous in the industry.

To become Soil Association Organic certified, farmers and food producers must meet strict standards for organic production. These standards prohibit the use of synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, and genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in the production of organic products. Organic farmers are required to use natural methods to manage pests, weeds, and diseases, and to improve soil quality.

Planet score

Planet Score is a new tool developed by the nonprofit organization B Lab, which is the same organization that certifies B Corporations. The Planet Score tool is designed to provide consumers with information about the environmental impact of the products they purchase, and to help them make more informed decisions about the products they choose to buy.

The Planet Score tool uses a variety of data sources to calculate a score for each product, based on factors such as greenhouse gas emissions, water use, waste generation, and use of renewable energy. The score is presented to consumers in a simple, easy-to-understand format, with a higher score indicating a lower environmental impact.

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