FSSAI Labeling Dispute
Red Bull challenges FSSAI directive to drop energy drink labeling in court.
Anonymous
Red Bull has asked the Delhi High Court to overturn an FSSAI directive requiring it to stop calling its caffeinated beverages “energy drinks,” arguing the order was issued without prior notice or an opportunity to respond. The court asked the regulator whether it had issued a show-cause notice and what justified acting before hearing the company; it granted no interim relief and scheduled another hearing for September 29. Red Bull also contests a subsequent communication directing food-safety authorities to act against products deemed non-compliant, which it says led to seizures. FSSAI says “energy drink” is not a recognized category with defined standards and has raised concerns that some product claims could mislead consumers, while beverage companies argue the proposed “caffeinated beverage” label is overly broad and have called for consultation before enforcement.
Key Points
1
The directive reportedly covered other brands as well as Red Bull—including Sting, Adrenaline Rush, Campa Gold Boost, Hell Energy and Monster—and gave them 90 days to remove “energy” from labels, marketing and advertisements.
2
FSSAI’s consumer-protection concerns included claims such as “vitalises body and mind,” which it said could mislead consumers.
3
FSSAI set a maximum caffeine limit of 300 mg per litre for these beverages in 2016 and required companies to disclose caffeine content on labels.
4
PepsiCo said it was dropping the word “energy” from Sting to comply with applicable regulatory requirements.
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