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THE REPUBLIC OF TEA(r) BECOMES FIRST TEA COMPANY IN THE UNITED STATES TO
RECEIVE INDEPENDENT GLUTEN-FREE CERTIFICATION
April 22, 2006, Seattle WA -- The Republic of Tea(r), 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 brands 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(r). "We are proud to offer them the extra convenience, confidence and
safety assurance this new certification from GFCO provides."
The Republic of Tea(r) 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(r) (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(r), 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. To see the Certification Mark go to http://www.gfco.org
For more information visit: http://www.gfco.org.
About The Republic of Tea(r)
Founded in 1992 under a charter to start a "Tea Revolution," The Republic of
Tea(r), 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.
Media contact:
Marideth Post, Minister of Enlightenment, The Republic of Tea, 415.382.3443,
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