FSSAI issues notices to beverage brands over 'energy drink' labelling
New Delhi, July 3
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India has issued notices to several beverage brands for alleged misbranding and making misleading claims by marketing their products as "energy drinks," saying no such standard has been notified under the country's food safety regulations.
In a post on X, FSSAI said it had "issued notices to several beverage brands claiming to be 'energy drinks' for misbranding and misleading claims."
The food regulator named products including Hell Energy Drink, Adrenaline Rush Energy Drink, Red Bull Energy Drink and Sting Energy Drink in the notices shared through a series of graphics accompanying the post.
According to FSSAI, "FSSAI has not notified any standard for 'Energy Drink' or similar products."
The regulator further clarified that the Food Category System under the FSS Regulations, 2011 "is not intended for product naming or labelling purposes."
FSSAI also said food companies cannot make functional or therapeutic claims related to boosting energy, improving focus or addressing general weakness unless permitted under the law.
For products such as Hell Energy Drink and Adrenaline Rush Energy Drink, the regulator said claims relating to "boosting energy," "enhancing focus," and "aiding general weakness" are "not permissible for food products under the FSS Act 2006 and the Rules and Regulations made thereunder."
In the case of Red Bull Energy Drink, FSSAI objected to claims including "vitalizes body and mind," "enhancing focus," "boost energy levels," and "aid in general weakness," saying such functional or therapeutic claims are not allowed for food products.
For Sting Energy Drink, the regulator similarly said claims such as "stimulates mind energizes body," "enhancing focus," "boost energy levels," and "aid in general weakness" are not permissible under the Food Safety and Standards Act and related regulations.
The action comes as FSSAI steps up scrutiny of product branding and labelling practices to ensure that food products do not make claims that could mislead consumers or imply regulatory recognition where none exists.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Good move by FSSAI! But let's be honest, these companies have been fooling Indians for years with "energy" claims. Red Bull costs ₹250 for a small can and middle-class families think it's some magic potion. Time for real awareness campaigns too. 🙏
I work in a college and these energy drinks are everywhere. Students think they're study aids. FSSAI is right to crack down. But why stop at these? What about those "protein" drinks and "glucose" drinks sold at every shop? Labels should be honest. Period.
It's ironic that Sting calls itself "energy drink" but has more sugar than a barfi. 😂 My grandmother says real energy comes from a good roti and buttermilk, not a can. Wise words. But FSSAI's action is necessary - our youth needs protection from false advertising.
As someone who works in food regulation, this is a long-overdue move. These companies exploit loopholes in the system. But FSSAI must also educate the public - many Indians don't read labels and trust big brand names blindly. A joint effort between regulator and media is needed.
About time! These drinks are marketed as "cool" and "energising" to teenagers in India. My younger brother saved his pocket money to buy Red Bull thinking it'd help him score better in exams. 🥴 FSSAI should also check the high caffeine content - very dangerous for young hearts!
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