Yes. All of our teas are GMO-free. Organic certification prohibits the use of GMOs. Since all of our teas are organic certificated, they are also free of GMOs.
ALL of our teas and herbs are certified organic to the USDA National Organic Program standards. Our facility is certified organic by the Global Organic Alliance. You will notice the USDA Organic seal listed on every tea and herb we sell. Read here for more information on our organic certification.
No. We’re sorry, our facility in not certified Kosher.
The term "natural flavor" or “natural flavors” is a regulated term in organic food production. In organic certified products (such as ours) all flavors must be derived from a botanical and must be organic compliant. Synthetically derived (or artificial) flavors and artificial preservatives are prohibited. Additionally, these flavors are listed as a “natural flavor” in the ingredient lists.
The natural flavors we use in our flavored teas are extracts taken directly from the botanical with no additional carrier agents or solvents, or taken from the botanical with only the use of 100% GMO-free grain alcohols as a solvent. For customers hoping to avoid gluten, the use of the grain alcohol as a solvent should not cause a problem, as the flavors are certified to contain no residue after the extraction process. However, for those still concerned we recommend avoiding teas that list “natural flavors” in their ingredients.
No. Our facility is not certified gluten-free. However, there are no gluten products in our teas and herbs, nor our blends. The natural flavors used in our flavored teas are extracts taken directly from the botanical with no additional carrier agents or solvents, or taken from the botanical with only the use of 100% GMO-free grain alcohols as a solvent. For customers hoping to avoid gluten, the use of the grain alcohol as a solvent should not cause a problem, as the flavors are certified to contain no residue after the extraction process. However, for those still concerned we recommend avoiding teas that list “natural flavors” in their ingredients.
No. Our facility is not nut-free. We package a handful of teas that contain almond and coconut.
Yes. Ever since Japan's Fukushima-Daiichi nuclear plant disaster in 2011, samples from each crop of Japanese tea are tested for I-131, Cs-134, and Cs-137.
After the devastating effects of earthquake and tsunami on March 11, 2011, which badly damaged Japan's Fukushima-Daiichi nuclear plant, there has been a lot of speculation in the marketplace regarding the safety of Japanese tea. While much of the fearful chatter over irradiated Japanese products has subsided, concerns still abound. Without diminishing the significance of this event, but perhaps relieving some concerns, here is some additional information:
The Fukushima-Daiichi nuclear plant is along Japan’s eastern seaboard. Prevailing winds blow east, pushing the fallout over the Pacific Ocean away from land and tea growing areas.
Virtually all of Japan's tea is grown at least 200 to 300 kilometers south of the radiation source. Tea grown in Kagoshima, the nation’s second largest growing region, is on the island of Kyushu, thousands of kilometers away from Fukushima - a distance equivalent to traveling from New York to Denver.
Arbor Teas sources the majority of its Japanese tea from the Kagoshima Prefecture. Here a list of the prefectures from which each of our Japanese teas originate. Regardless of origin, samples from each crop are tested for I-131, Cs-134, and Cs-137.
Organic Bancha Green Tea -- Shizuoka Prefecture
Organic Genmaicha Green Tea -- Kagoshima Prefecture
Organic Genmaicha Extra Green Tea – Kagoshima Prefecture
Organic Gyokuro Green Tea - Kagoshima Prefecture
Organic Hojicha Green Tea -- Shizuoka Prefecture
Organic Japan Pu erh Tea -- Shizuoka Prefecture
Organic Kukicha Green Tea - Kagoshima Prefecture
Organic Matcha Green Tea - Shizuoka Prefecture
Organic Sencha Green Tea - Kagoshima Prefecture
