Seattle WA (PRWEB) April 24, 2006 -- The Republic of Tea®, leading purveyor of premium teas, is the first and only tea company in the United States to be certified by the Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO) -- ensuring all of the brand's full-leaf and bagged teas are free of gluten and possible cross-contamination from gluten.
"We receive inquiries from our citizens (consumers) everyday, asking if our teas are gluten free," said Ron Rubin, Minister of Tea / CEO of The Republic of Tea®. "We're proud to offer them the extra convenience, confidence and safety assurance this new certification from GFCO provides."
The Republic of Tea® will also be the first tea company with permission to include GFCO's certification mark on its signature packaging. Citizens can identify the mark on the label and sip with confidence, knowing the product is gluten free.
The GFCO, a program of the Gluten Intolerance Group® (GIG), is the first program of its kind in the world to supervise the manufacturing and testing protocol of companies that market gluten-free (GF) foods, for the purpose of offering consumers a third-party assurance of safety. This new independent food processing inspection program will verify that food products meet the highest standards for GF ingredients and are produced in a safe environment.
About GFCO
The Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO) is a program of the Gluten Intolerance Group®, and is governed by an independent volunteer board that includes physicians, food scientists and consumers.
Key elements of the GFCO process include:
• Ingredients review, down to the original supplier
• Onsite inspections by experienced, trained Field Inspection Agents
• Product and ingredient testing using scientifically proven tests
• GFCO certification mark located on product packages for easy identification.
For more information visit: www.gfco.org or www.gluten.net
About The Republic of Tea®
Founded in 1992 under a charter to start a "Tea Revolution," The Republic of Tea®, leading purveyor of premium teas, is committed to offering only the highest quality teas and herbs, while conducting business in a socially responsible manner. In keeping with its whimsical identity as an independent republic, The Republic of Tea designates its employees as Ministers, customers as Citizens and retail outlets at Embassies. The brand remains devoted to developing products in support of worthy organizations like the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, Sunny Hills Services and the Prostate Cancer Foundation. The Republic of Tea's distinguished collection of teas, herbs, brewed iced teas and tea-inspired products are available at over 20,000 gourmet retailers and restaurants throughout the United States. Signature offerings include: Fair Trade Certified teas, Imperial Republic Teas, white teas, Sip and Go Bottled Iced Teas, tea honey, tea jam, Stir Fry Tea Oil, USDA Organic teas, tea ware and a set of varietal glass-bottled iced teas crafted exclusively for fine restaurants. For more information visit: www.republicoftea.com.
Press Contact: Cynthia Kupper
Company Name: GLUTEN INTOLERANCE GROUP OF NORTH AMERICA
Email: Cynthia@gluten.net
Phone: 206-246-6652
Website: www.gfco.org
AndhraNews.net News for April 24, 2006
