FSSAI Issues Notices To Red Bull, Sting, Hell Over 'Energy Drink' Labelling Claims

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued notices to several beverage companies over the use of the term "energy drink" and related promotional claims, saying there is no notified standard for such products under India's food safety regulations. The regulator has also objected to claims suggesting the beverages enhance energy, focus or help combat general weakness, calling them impermissible under existing laws.

No notified standard for 'energy drinks', says FSSAI

In a post on X, FSSAI said it had "issued notices to several beverage brands claiming to be 'energy drinks' for misbranding and misleading claims."

The regulator named products including Hell Energy Drink, Adrenaline Rush Energy Drink, Red Bull Energy Drink and Sting Energy Drink in the notices shared through a series of graphics accompanying the post.

According to FSSAI, "FSSAI has not notified any standard for 'Energy Drink' or similar products."

The regulator further clarified that the Food Category System under the FSS Regulations, 2011 "is not intended for product naming or labelling purposes."

Regulator objects to energy, focus and weakness-related claims

FSSAI said food companies cannot make functional or therapeutic claims related to boosting energy, improving focus or addressing general weakness unless such claims are specifically permitted under the law.

For products such as Hell Energy Drink and Adrenaline Rush Energy Drink, the regulator said claims relating to "boosting energy," "enhancing focus," and "aiding general weakness" are "not permissible for food products under the FSS Act 2006 and the Rules and Regulations made thereunder."

In the case of Red Bull Energy Drink, FSSAI objected to claims including "vitalizes body and mind," "enhancing focus," "boost energy levels," and "aid in general weakness," saying such functional or therapeutic claims are not allowed for food products.

For Sting Energy Drink, the regulator similarly said claims such as "stimulates mind energizes body," "enhancing focus," "boost energy levels," and "aid in general weakness" are not permissible under the Food Safety and Standards Act and related regulations.

Move aimed at curbing misleading branding

The action comes as FSSAI steps up scrutiny of product branding and labelling practices to ensure food products do not make claims that could mislead consumers or imply regulatory recognition where none exists.

(With inputs from ANI)