The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued notices to several beverage brands—including Red Bull, PepsiCo India, and Campa—regarding the use of the term “energy drink” and allegedly misleading claims on product labels. The FSSAI states that no specific standards have been prescribed for such products under food safety regulations.
In a social media post, the food regulator stated that it had sent notices to brands such as Red Bull Energy Drink, Hell Energy (Hell Energy Pvt. Ltd.), Campa Energy Drink, Monster Energy, and PepsiCo India Holdings Pvt. Ltd. (for Adrenaline Rush and Sting) regarding violations of norms concerning misbranding and labelling.
According to the FSSAI, no standards have been defined for “energy drinks” or similar products under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and the rules and regulations framed thereunder. The regulator clarified that the “Food Category System” under the Food Safety and Standards (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Regulations, 2011, should not be used for the purpose of product naming or labelling.
The FSSAI further stated that the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, does not permit food products to make claims suggesting functional or therapeutic benefits—such as boosting energy levels, improving focus, refreshing the body and mind, stimulating the brain, energising the body, or aiding in cases of general weakness.
The regulator also alleged that these brands used terms like “energy drink” in the marketing and labelling of their products and made claims that are not permissible under existing regulations. These notices are part of the FSSAI’s efforts to curb misbranding and misleading claims within the food and beverage sector. Additionally, it must be ensured that product labels comply with the ‘Food Safety and Standards Act’ and the associated regulations.
Earlier in June, the regulator had issued notices to several Food Business Operators (FBOs). These notices were issued due to allegations of violations regarding misleading product claims, branding and labelling practices, and customer complaints. They were also directed to take corrective measures.
