Answer: No.
Reason: Plain black and green tea is fine without a hechsher. Bishul akum does not apply to tea: a drink that is mostly water is treated like water.
Source:
- Taz, Yoreh De’ah 114:1.
- Star-K: unflavored tea needs no hechsher.
- cRc: unflavored orange pekoe (black), rooibos or green tea leaves or bags need no hashgachah if nothing else is added. Ready-to-drink and instant tea need certification.
Related questions:
- Does flavored tea need a hechsher? Yes.
- Does unflavored coffee need a hechsher? No.
- Does beer have a bishul akum problem? No.
More from Rabbi Tahan: Q&A: Hechsher on Herbal Teas · Q&A: Hechsher on Tea · Q&A: Bishul Akum on Beer · When Does Bishul Akum Apply
References: Star-K, “Approved Without A Hechsher” list · cRc (askcrc.org), “Tea, including decaffeinated”
