FSSAI Orders 90-Day Removal of Energy Drink Labels

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India has directed beverage manufacturers to remove the term “energy drink” within 90 days. Under current fssai energy drink regulation guidelines, no specific legal standard exists for an energy drink category in India. Consequently, using this label on high-caffeine beverages constitutes misbranding under national food safety laws.

Understanding FSSAI Energy Drink Regulation Enforcement

The food safety regulator issued notices to six leading beverage brands following widespread misbranding concerns. Specifically, affected brands include Red Bull, Adrenaline Rush, Campa Energy, Sting, Hell Energy, and Monster Energy. FSSAI clarified that the Food Category System serves administrative classification purposes only. Therefore, manufacturers cannot use category descriptors for product naming or commercial packaging.

Additionally, the authority prohibited unapproved functional and therapeutic claims on beverage labels. Promotional claims such as “vitalises body and mind,” “enhances focus,” “boosts energy levels,” or “aids in general weakness” lack statutory backing. Under the Food Safety and Standards Act of 2006, health claims require formal scientific validation and pre-market clearance. In addition, FSSAI separately suspended the licence of Westend Agro Products Pvt Ltd for altering manufacturing and expiry dates on misbranded items.

Clinical Implications and Industry Standards

From a clinical perspective, high-caffeine beverages present significant health risks if consumed excessively. In India, caffeinated beverages must contain between 145 mg and 300 mg of caffeine per litre. Furthermore, regulations mandate explicit warning labels advising against consumption by children, pregnant women, and caffeine-sensitive individuals. Unsubstantiated energy claims can encourage excessive intake, particularly among young consumers. Therefore, strict labeling standards help clinicians counsel patients accurately regarding dietary risk factors. Although industry bodies requested delays, the regulator confirmed that companies must comply within the 90-day window.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Why did FSSAI order companies to remove the energy drink label?

FSSAI has not notified any specific product standard for an energy drink category in India. Consequently, using this label on high-caffeine carbonated drinks constitutes misbranding under national food safety regulations.

Q2: What health claims are prohibited on caffeinated beverage labels?

Functional or therapeutic claims such as “vitalises body and mind,” “enhances focus,” or “aids in general weakness” are strictly prohibited. These health claims require prior regulatory evaluation and scientific validation under the Food Safety and Standards Act of 2006.

Q3: Does the FSSAI order ban caffeinated beverages entirely?

No, the directive does not ban the beverages themselves. Instead, manufacturers must sell them under approved caffeinated beverage standards while adhering to caffeine limits, warning labels, and correct packaging descriptions.

References

1. Beverage makers fail to get any relief from FSSAI on energy drinks misbranding – ETHealthworld
2. Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). Operationalisation of Standards for Caffeinated Beverages and Food Additives Regulations. FSSAI Regulatory Notice, 2016.
3. Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India. Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 and Rules & Regulations. New Delhi, India.

Disclaimer: This article was automatically generated from publicly available sources and is provided for informational and educational purposes only. OC Academy does not exercise editorial control or claim authorship over this content. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider and refer to current local and national clinical guidelines.