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FSSAI Cracks Down: Only Camellia Sinensis Drinks Can Be Called 'Tea'

The FSSAI has directed state officials to ensure only beverages made from the Camellia sinensis plant, like green tea or Kangra tea, are labelled as 'tea'. Using the term for herbal or plant-based infusions is now considered misleading and constitutes misbranding under the law. The authority mandates that the true food name must be displayed on the front of every package. Non-compliance will lead to necessary action under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.

Key Points: FSSAI Rules: 'Tea' Label Only for Camellia Sinensis Beverages

  • Only Camellia sinensis is tea
  • Herbal infusion labels are misleading
  • Front-of-pack naming required
  • Non-compliance risks legal action
2 min read

Beverages made from Camellia sinensis...: FSSAI clarifies on use of term 'Tea' on packaging and labelling

FSSAI mandates that only drinks from Camellia sinensis can be labelled 'tea'. Herbal infusions using the term are misbranding. Learn the new rules.

"Using the term for other herbal or plant-based infusions is misleading & amounts to misbranding. - FSSAI Letter"

By Shalini Bhardwaj, New Delhi, December 25

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India has written to the Food Commissioners of all States and Union Territories, directing officers to monitor Food Business Operators regarding the use of the term 'Tea' on packaging & labelling.

The FSSAI has clarified that only beverages made from Camellia sinensis, such as Kangra tea, green tea, and instant tea, may be labelled 'tea'. Using the term "herbal" or "plant-based" for infusions is considered misleading and misbranding.

According to the provision, only beverages derived from Camellia sinensis, including Kangra Tea, Green Tea & Instant Tea, may be labelled as Tea. Using the term for other herbal or plant-based infusions is misleading & amounts to misbranding, under the provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.

"Food Business Operators, including E-commerce engaged in manufacturing, packing, marketing, import or sale of such products, are directed to comply with the provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Regulation and refrain from using the term 'Tea' for any products not derived from Camellia sinensis," the letter states.

"It is clarified that, as per standards specified under 2.10.1 of the Food Safety and Standards (Food Product Standards and Food Additives Regulations, 2011, Tea (including Kangra Tea, Green Tea and Instant Tea in solid form) shall be exclusively from the plant of the Camellia sinensis," it added.

The letter also specified that every package must display the food name on the front, indicating the true nature of the contents.

"Sub-regulation (1) of regulation 5 of Food Safety and Standards (Labelling and Display) Regulations, 2020 specified that every package shall carry the name of the food, which indicates the true nature of the food contained in the package, on the Front of Pack," it said.

The letter further outlines the repercussions of non-compliance with the provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.

"In case of non-compliance, necessary action shall be initiated as per the provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and the rules/regulations made thereunder," thye letter explained.

This move aims to ensure transparency and accuracy in food labelling, protecting consumers from confusion. Manufacturers must comply with these guidelines to avoid penalties.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Finally! The market is flooded with tulsi, ginger, chamomile infusions labelled as "tea". As a chai lover, real tea means Camellia sinensis. Calling everything tea dilutes the identity of our Kangra and Assam varieties. Support this clarification.
A
Aman W
While the intent is good, I hope this doesn't create unnecessary hurdles for small businesses selling traditional kadhas and herbal infusions. They should have a clear, simple category like "herbal infusion" without heavy compliance costs. The rule must be practical.
S
Sarah B
Interesting read. In the West, "tea" is often used loosely for any steeped beverage. This strict definition protects a specific agricultural product and its growers, which is important for regions like Darjeeling and Kangra.
K
Karthik V
Good move for consumer protection. But FSSAI must also ensure enforcement is strong. We have many rules, but implementation is weak. Will officers actually check all the local markets and e-commerce sites? That's the real challenge.
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Nisha Z
As someone who drinks both, I appreciate this. My ginger-tulsi kadha is healthy, but it's not 'chai'. Let's give each its due respect. Clear labels help everyone make informed choices. Hope brands comply quickly.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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