Caraway Tea Highlights Certification Considerations in Functional Tea Manufacturing

POUGHKEEPSIE, N.Y. — Caraway Tea Company is raising concerns about how some functional tea products are manufactured, particularly when products include ingredients commonly associated with dietary supplements.

Under U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations, products marketed as dietary supplements must meet specific labeling and manufacturing requirements, including compliance with current good manufacturing practices.

"Not all functional teas are created equal," said Gina Caraway, CEO of Caraway Tea Company. "There's a significant difference between a product that contains added ingredients and one that is manufactured under certified supplement standards. That distinction matters for safety, compliance and brand integrity."

According to Caraway Tea, products marketed as functional or wellness teas are sometimes produced in facilities that are not certified for supplement manufacturing.

The company raised several key issues with this practice, including:

• Potential inability to use Supplement Facts panels in compliance with labeling requirements
• Lack of validated dosing and ingredient consistency
• Insufficient quality control and traceability systems
• Increased regulatory risk for brands and retailers

Brands may face challenges if their manufacturing partners are not operating under appropriate standards, Caraway Tea said.

What Defines a Supplement-Certified Manufacturer?

A supplement-certified tea manufacturer operates under protocols designed to ensure product safety, consistency and efficacy, including:

• Verified and repeatable dosing processes for active ingredients
• Comprehensive quality management systems
• Full traceability of raw materials and finished goods
• Third-party certifications and audits specific to supplement production

Caraway Tea Company said it is certified under SQF Level 2, Code 31 (Dietary Supplements), a food safety and quality certification specific to supplement production.

A Call for Greater Transparency.

As consumer demand for functional wellness products continues to rise, Caraway Tea encourages brands to take a closer look at their supply chains and manufacturing partners.

"Brands are investing heavily in innovation and marketing, but manufacturing is where trust is truly built," Caraway said. "Choosing a certified supplement partner isn't just a technical decision — it's a strategic one."