Food Manifest 
Regulator Targets Misbranding and Product Labelling
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued notices to six beverage companies for allegedly misbranding their products and making misleading claims by marketing them as “energy drinks.“ The notices cover Red Bull Energy Drink; PepsiCo India’s Adrenaline Rush Energy Drink; Reliance Consumer Products’ Campa Energy Gold Boost, Sting Energy Drink, and Hell Energy; and Monster Energy, backed by Coca-Cola.
FSSAI Clarifies There Is No Standard for ‘Energy Drinks’
FSSAI clarified that it has not notified any standard for “energy drinks” or similar products under the current food regulations. It stated that companies should not use the term “energy drink” on product labels and branding, as the Food Category System under the Food Safety and Standards Regulations is not intended for product naming or labelling.
Regulator Rejects Unapproved Health Claims
FSSAI also stated that food products must not carry functional or therapeutic claims unless the law specifically permits them. According to the regulator, companies cannot use claims such as “boosts energy,” “vitalises body and mind,” “enhances focus,” or “aids in general weakness” on food products under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 and its regulations.
Enforcement Drive Continues
FSSAI issued these notices as part of its ongoing effort to strengthen compliance with food labelling and advertising rules. In recent weeks, the regulator has taken similar action against several food businesses for misbranding, misleading advertisements, and unsubstantiated claims, including terms such as “natural” and “no added sugar.” It has also acted on complaints submitted by consumers.
Source: NDTV
