New Delhi: The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India has issued notices to six beverage companies for allegedly misbranding products and making unapproved promotional claims using the term energy drinks. The notices were sent on Wednesday as part of efforts to strengthen rules on food labelling and advertising.
The companies named include Red Bull Energy Drink, PepsiCo’s Adrenaline Rush Energy Drink, Reliance Consumer Products’ Campa Energy Drink Gold Boost, Sting Energy Drink, Hell Energy, and Coca-Cola-backed Monster Energy. The regulator cited violations related to branding and marketing statements on the beverages.
In an Instagram post, the authority said it had taken steps against the firms for presenting the items as energy drinks and for making functional claims not allowed under existing food rules.
No Notified Category For Energy Drinks
The main issue raised by the FSSAI is the lack of any official standard for items labelled as energy drinks. The regulator noted that despite no such category being notified, the brands used the term on packaging and labels.
The authority clarified that the food category system under regulations is only for classification. It is not meant for product names or label declarations that could mislead buyers about the item’s nature.
The watchdog said the distinction matters because using unapproved categories on labels may suggest to consumers that the product has been officially defined or approved as an energy drink under Indian law, which is not true.
Vitalises Body And Mind Claims
The FSSAI also objected to several functional and therapeutic claims on these drinks. Statements such as vitalises body and mind, enhancing focus, boost energy levels, and aid in general weakness are not permitted for food products.
Such claims violate the Food Safety and Standards Act and related rules, which bar food items from suggesting medicinal or therapeutic effects unless specifically approved.
Comments from the six companies were not available at the time of reporting.
Crackdown On Misleading Food Ads
The move against the energy drink makers is part of wider FSSAI efforts to address misbranding and misleading advertisements in the food sector. In recent months the authority has increased enforcement against operators whose labelling or promotions breach safety norms.
The regulator has also responded to consumer complaints about inaccurate or exaggerated claims on food and beverage packaging. To raise public awareness, the FSSAI has used social media platforms such as Instagram and X to share details of its enforcement actions.
