FSSAI Issues Notices to 6 Beverage Brands Over Misleading ‘Energy Drink’ Claims
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued notices to six leading beverage brands for allegedly making misleading “Energy Drink” claims on their products. The move is part of FSSAI’s nationwide effort to strengthen food labeling compliance and protect consumers from unsubstantiated marketing claims.
The notices have drawn significant attention from food manufacturers, importers, distributors, retailers, and Food Business Operators (FBOs) across India.
If your business manufactures, imports, markets, or sells packaged beverages, understanding this development is essential.
Why Did FSSAI Issue the Notices?
According to FSSAI, several beverage manufacturers have marketed their products as “Energy Drinks” while making promotional claims that may not comply with India’s Food Safety and Standards Regulations.
The regulator clarified that there is currently no officially recognized product category or standard specifically named “Energy Drink” under the existing FSSAI regulations.
As a result, companies have been asked to explain why such labeling and promotional practices should not be considered misleading.
Brands Reportedly Served Notices
According to media reports, notices have been issued to products associated with:
- Red Bull Energy Drink
- Sting Energy Drink
- Monster Energy
- Hell Energy
- Campa Energy Drink Gold Boost
- PepsiCo’s Adrenaline Rush Energy Drink
These notices are currently show-cause notices, meaning the companies have been asked to submit their responses before any final regulatory action.
Claims Objected to by FSSAI
The regulator has reportedly questioned promotional statements such as:
- Boosts Energy Levels
- Vitalizes Body and Mind
- Enhances Focus
- Stimulates the Mind
- Energises the Body
- Aids General Weakness
According to FSSAI, food businesses should avoid making functional, medicinal, or therapeutic claims unless they are specifically permitted under applicable regulations and supported by appropriate scientific evidence.
What Is Misbranding Under FSSAI?
Misbranding generally refers to situations where food products are:
- Sold under misleading names
- Marketed using false or exaggerated claims
- Presented in a manner that may mislead consumers
- Labelled contrary to FSSAI regulations
- Advertised with unsupported health or therapeutic benefits
Food businesses must ensure that product labels accurately represent the nature, composition, and intended use of the product.
Is There Any Ban on These Products?
No.
At present, FSSAI has not banned these beverage products.
The regulator has only issued show-cause notices, requesting explanations from the companies regarding their product labeling and promotional claims.
Further action, if any, will depend upon the companies’ responses and the findings of the regulator.
Possible Regulatory Actions
If FSSAI determines that a product violates applicable regulations, it may direct businesses to:
- Modify product labels
- Remove misleading claims
- Change advertisements
- Correct packaging information
- Comply with revised labeling requirements
- Face penalties under the Food Safety and Standards Act, where applicable
Impact on Food Business Operators (FBOs)
This development sends a strong message that FSSAI is increasing scrutiny not only on food quality but also on:
- Product branding
- Label design
- Health claims
- Functional claims
- Digital marketing
- Social media advertisements
- Product packaging
Food manufacturers should conduct periodic compliance reviews to ensure all labels and advertisements meet current regulatory requirements.
Compliance Checklist for Food Businesses
Businesses should immediately review whether:
✔ Product names comply with FSSAI standards
✔ Labels contain only permitted claims
✔ Advertisements avoid misleading language
✔ Packaging follows Food Safety and Standards (Labelling and Display) Regulations
✔ Health-related statements are scientifically supported
✔ Marketing content complies across websites, marketplaces, and social media
Why This News Matters
Consumer awareness regarding food labeling has increased significantly in recent years.
Regulators are also focusing more closely on marketing practices that may influence purchasing decisions.
Food businesses that maintain accurate labeling and transparent communication are more likely to build long-term consumer trust while avoiding regulatory challenges.
How Kyna FinTax LLP Can Help
At Kyna FinTax LLP, we assist Food Business Operators with complete FSSAI compliance services, including:
- FSSAI Registration
- FSSAI State License
- FSSAI Central License
- Food Label Compliance Review
- Regulatory Advisory
- Food Business Documentation
- FSSAI Renewal
- Modification of License
- Compliance Support
- Notice Reply Assistance
Whether you are a startup, manufacturer, importer, restaurant, cloud kitchen, or food processing unit, our experts help ensure your business remains compliant with the latest regulatory requirements.
Need Expert FSSAI Compliance Assistance?
Kyna FinTax LLP
📞 7421082222
Contact us today for professional assistance with FSSAI Registration, Licensing, Compliance, and Regulatory Advisory Services.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Why did FSSAI issue notices to beverage brands?
FSSAI issued show-cause notices over alleged misleading “Energy Drink” claims and possible non-compliance with food labeling regulations.
2. Which beverage brands reportedly received notices?
Media reports mention Red Bull, Sting, Monster Energy, Hell Energy, Campa Energy Drink Gold Boost, and PepsiCo’s Adrenaline Rush.
3. Has FSSAI banned these energy drinks?
No. FSSAI has only issued show-cause notices. No nationwide ban has been announced.
4. What is misbranding under FSSAI?
Misbranding includes misleading labels, unsupported claims, incorrect product descriptions, or advertisements that may deceive consumers.
5. Can food companies make health or energy claims?
Only claims permitted under applicable FSSAI regulations and supported by scientific evidence should be used.
6. What should food businesses do after this development?
Businesses should review their labels, advertisements, packaging, and marketing content to ensure regulatory compliance.
7. Can misleading food labels attract penalties?
Yes. Non-compliance may result in label modification directions, penalties, or other actions under the Food Safety and Standards Act, depending on the facts of the case.
8. Does this affect only beverage manufacturers?
No. The development highlights FSSAI’s broader focus on labeling, branding, and advertising compliance across the food industry.
9. How can Kyna FinTax LLP help with FSSAI compliance?
Kyna FinTax LLP provides FSSAI registration, licensing, compliance reviews, notice reply assistance, renewals, modifications, and regulatory advisory services.
10. How can I contact Kyna FinTax LLP for FSSAI services?
You can call 7421082222, email service@kynafintax.com, or visit https://kynafintax.com for professional assistance.