International certifications

 

Our Bulk Matcha Quality Assurance

Certifications & Quality Control

At MCHA, we maintain the utmost standards in the production and manufacturing of premium Japanese matcha and other teas. Every product and batch of matcha we produce undergoes rigorous independent laboratory testing conducted by some of the foremost experts in global food safety regulations.

As matcha continues to grow in popularity and is increasingly available in supermarkets, health food stores, cafes, and restaurants, we have ensured that our safety protocols evolve to meet the rising demands for wholesale and bulk orders. MCHA’s tea production process is strictly regulated and carefully overseen, encompassing all stages from cultivation to harvesting, storage, and packaging.

As a leading supplier of premium matcha for wholesale and bulk manufacturing, we comply with all stringent safety certifications related to matcha and bulk teas, fulfilling all hygiene requirements necessary to deliver the highest quality Japanese-grown matcha available.

Further details regarding our various quality-control certifications can be found below.

USDA ORGANIC

The Food and Safety Inspection Service (FSIS) of the United States Department of Agriculture establishes and issues labeling guidelines regarding policies and inspection procedures to safeguard consumers against false and deceptive labels. According to the FSIS, teas bearing the USDA label must implement "cultural, biological, and mechanical practices that encourage resource recycling, support ecological balance, and preserve biodiversity." Possessing a USDA organic label signifies certification that assures consumers protection from potential exposure to harmful pesticides and environmental toxins under the national organic program (NOP). This certification provides your customers with confidence that your tea complies with the rigorous standards established by the United States for authentically organic products.

ORGANIC CROP IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATION (OCIA)

The Organic Crop Improvement Association (OCIA) is a non-profit organisation that is member-operated and owned, offering research, education, and certification services to organic producers worldwide. As one of the oldest and most recognized certifications in the organic certification sector, an OCIA certification demonstrates a company’s dedication to environmental sustainability and stewardship.

COR ORGANIC

The Canada Organic Regime (COR) establishes standards for imported organic products, which must be certified by a certification body accredited by countries such as Japan. COR is a federal program that oversees Canadian organic products and maintains equivalency agreements with the European Union and several other nations. For instance, tea bearing the COR organic label may also be certified as USDA organic.

FSSC 2200

FSSC 22000 is an independent, global non-profit organisation that fosters trust and contributes to consumer protection within the consumer goods sector. The certification process involves a three-year audit cycle, focusing extensively on a company’s food safety management system. From initial soil contact through to the final stages of packaging, storage, and distribution of bulk and wholesale matcha, an FSSC 22000 certification guarantees that manufacturers comply with the highest standards of safety and hygiene.

OU KOSHER

The Orthodox Union (O.U.) is recognized as the most reliable kosher certification authority in the United States. The presence of the O.U. symbol signifies that a product is free from dairy and meat, including all derivatives, and is classified as 'Pareve.' The food safety standards established by the O.U. are rooted in Biblical teachings and Jewish customs. Their primary objective is to prevent cross-contamination among various food items such as meat, milk, fish, edible oils, and other essential oils.

JONA

The Japan and Natural Foods Association (JONA) offers a certification program recognized as an equivalency certification, frequently required by importers for importing tea from Japan to markets such as the United States and Canada. Since 1993, JONA has been conducting third-party organic certifications and is accredited by IFOAM (International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements). JONA provides its own original certification, the organic JAS certification (discussed in its respective section), and assists companies in complying with international organic certification standards beyond Japan.

ORGANIC JAS

The Organic Japanese Agricultural Standards (JAS), instituted by the Japanese Minister of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries, serve as Japan’s counterpart to the USDA organic certification, guaranteeing food safety through rigorous certification criteria. Teas bearing the JAS label adhere to stringent requirements concerning quality, production methods, handling procedures, business management, and ongoing performance assessment. An Organic JAS certification signifies that the product’s quality grade, composition, and specifications have been thoroughly evaluated against established standards. In Japan, no product may be marketed as organic without displaying the Organic JAS logo.

EU ORGANIC

To market your organic products commercially within the European Union, obtaining certification from Organic Agriculture Europe is essential. The E.U. Organic certification ensures that products are free from GMOs, promote climate and environmental protection, preserve biodiversity, respect natural cycles and animal welfare, contain no chemical or synthetic substances, maintain soil fertility, and provide transparent product labeling for consumers. Achieving the green E.U. Organic logo requires certification by an accredited certification body.

SGS AUDITS

SGS stands as the global leader in inspection, verification, testing, and certification services. We engage SGS's expert audit team to keep us informed of the most current certifications and standards within our industry, guaranteeing that our products, processes, and operations comply with and surpass the necessary market regulations and standards. Through consistent audits conducted by SGS, we are able to provide our wholesale and bulk clients with an exceptional global production experience. 

HAACP

HAACP is a management system that ensures food safety by evaluating chemical, biological, and physical hazards throughout the raw material production process. Therefore, with our matcha and other tea varieties, you can be confident that there are no concerns regarding radioactivity, pesticides, heavy metals, or microbial contamination. Our matcha undergoes thorough testing to guarantee its purity. 

GMP EQUIVALENT

Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) defines the essential standards that pharmaceutical manufacturers must adhere to during production. Although tea is not classified as a medicine, its remarkable healing properties are well recognized; therefore, we approach it accordingly and organise inspections to ensure adherence to these standards. Moreover, we guarantee that our teas maintain consistency and superior quality, are suitable for their intended purposes, and comply with the criteria for marketing authorization or clinical trial approval.