New Delhi: In a major crackdown on misleading food product claims, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued notices to six beverage companies, including Red Bull and PepsiCo India, alleging misbranding and misleading claims related to products marketed as "energy drinks."
Announcing the action on Instagram on Wednesday, the food regulator said it had issued "notices to several beverage brands claiming to be 'energy drinks' for misbranding and misleading claims."
The six brands that received notices are Red Bull Energy Drink, PepsiCo India's Adrenaline Rush Energy Drink, Reliance Consumer Products' Campa Energy Drink – Gold Boost, Sting Energy Drink, Hell Energy, and Monster Energy, which is backed by Coca-Cola.
Comments from the six companies could not be obtained immediately.
FSSAI said it has not notified any standard for "energy drink" or similar products.
The regulator noted that these brands have been marketed using descriptors such as "energy drink" on their product branding and labelling.
It also clarified that the Food Category System under the FSS Regulations is not intended to be used for product naming or labelling purposes.
"Functional or therapeutic claims, including but not limited to 'vitalizes body and mind', 'enhancing focus', 'boost energy levels', 'aid in general weakness', or similar claims, are not permissible for food products under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and the rules and regulations framed thereunder," FSSAI said.
In recent months, the food regulator has issued notices to several food business operators (FBOs) over allegations of misbranding, misleading claims and advertisements. It has also taken action based on consumer complaints.
As part of its efforts to promote food safety awareness, FSSAI has been informing consumers about such enforcement actions through its social media platforms, including X and Instagram.
