BELOW YOU MAY FIND INFORMATION ABOUT PRODUCT SAFETY AND OPERATIONAL ADJUSTMENTS IN LIGHT OF THE CURRENT SITUATION:
Product Safety
The U.S. Tea Association has recently responded with information specifically referencing the safety of teas imported from other countries. The Harney & Sons teas that are retailed now were produced and shipped last year prior to the beginning of the crisis in China. Additionally, tea is finished in hot ovens and is brewed in hot water that would destroy any microorganism, including a virus. The head of the U.S. Tea Association, Peter Goggi, has stated the risk of the COVID-19 infection per the CDC: “The virus is not spread through goods but by human to human contact … In general, because of poor survivability of these coronaviruses on surfaces, there is likely very low risk of spread from products or packaging that are shipped over a period of days or weeks at ambient temperatures. Coronaviruses are generally thought to be spread most often by respiratory droplets.”
These statements are well-supported by the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Manufacturing Updates
Harney & Sons is continuously monitoring updates from the CDC and updating the manufacturing processes accordingly:
- Food safety education among the employees is an ongoing effort at the facilities, and steps have been taken to ensure that each employee is knowledeable about safety relating to the current events.
- Body temperature of all employees prior to their shifts as well as all persons entering the facilities is monitored. Anyone registering a body temperature higher than 100.4℉ is not permitted.
- Extra cleaning and sanitation procedures in the general work environment and on all work surfaces has been implemented. Extra hand-washing and hand-sanitizing stations have been added throughout our facilities.
Developments will be continuously monitored and adjustments to the safety practices as recommended by the FDA and the CDC will be implemented.
Canada Post Delivery Updates
We’re advising Canadians to expect delivery delays due to large shipment volumes and important safety measures at Canada Post. For most up-to-date information, please visit the Canada Post COVID-19 Updates page. We wish you and your families lots of good health and comfort. Stay safe!
Sincerely,
Our Team at Premium Teas Canada