FSSAI Orders Pepsi, Red Bull to Drop Energy Drink Label

FSSAI has directed beverage companies to replace the label “energy drink” with “caffeinated beverage” within 90 days, standardising product classification and strengthening consumer transparency under India's food safety regulations.

As per the orders of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), companies manufacturing beverages like PepsiCo, Red Bull, Coca-Cola, and others have been asked to stop the use of “energy drink” nomenclature in their products within the next 90 days. As per instructions by the authority, companies should replace the label with “caffeinated beverages”, which is the correct scientific name for such beverages.

The order stems from the FSSAI's evaluation of categories of food products as per Food Safety and Standards (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Regulations, 2011. As per the FSSAI, the term "energy drink" does not exist as a recognized category within the current food safety norms. However, any beverage containing caffeine above the permissible levels falls into the category of "caffeinated beverages".

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The manufacturers have been advised to update their packaging and labels for marketing purposes in the given 90 day’s period. However, the brands and product formulas are not mandatory to be updated. Only the upcoming packages have to be labeled as per the new requirements. The existing products in the market can still be sold until the stocks run out.

The regulation has been issued for various popular beverages available in the market in India, such as those which are being marketed by PepsiCo, Red Bull, Coca-Cola, Monster Energy, and other similar brands working in the caffeinated beverages sector. Such drinks usually comprise caffeine, sugar, vitamins, and flavored substances and are commonly consumed by young people, students, professional people, and athletes. The new categorization is meant to make consumers aware about the type of beverage they are buying.

The industry participants are required to make changes in the product labeling during the next few months while ensuring that the production and distribution process remains smooth. While the process of relabeling might result in higher costs for the producers, there will be no impact on the availability and composition of products.

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The recent directive is an indication of the FSSAI's continuous efforts to make food labeling regulations more stringent. By substituting the term "energy drink" with the regulatory term "caffeinated beverage," the FSSAI seeks to improve clarity and ensure consistency among other drinks in the beverages industry.