FSSAI has issued notices to six major energy drink brands over alleged misbranding and misleading promotional claims related to products marketed as “energy drinks.”
Key Highlights:
- FSSAI issued notices to six leading energy drink brands.
- Notices cite alleged misbranding and misleading promotional claims.
- Regulator says “energy drink” is not a notified food category.
- Functional claims like boosting energy and enhancing focus are under scrutiny.
- FSSAI continues to strengthen enforcement against misleading food labels.
News Story:
New Delhi, July 2: The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued notices to six prominent energy drink brands over alleged misbranding and misleading claims used in the marketing of their products.
The notices have been sent to 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.
According to the regulator, India currently has no officially notified food standard or category for products marketed as “energy drinks.” FSSAI stated that companies should not use the term as a product label or branding when such a category has not been formally recognised under existing food safety regulations.
The regulator also objected to several promotional claims appearing on product packaging and advertisements, including statements such as “vitalises body and mind,” “enhances focus,” “boosts energy levels,” and “helps with general weakness.” FSSAI said such functional or therapeutic claims are not permitted for food products under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, unless specifically approved.
The action is part of the regulator’s broader effort to strengthen compliance with food labelling norms and curb misleading advertising in the food and beverage sector. In recent months, FSSAI has intensified enforcement actions and consumer awareness campaigns to ensure greater transparency and protect consumer interests.
