India's food safety regulator has directed beverage manufacturers to stop using the term "energy drink" on the labels of high-caffeine beverages, a move that has faced opposition from major companies, including Pepsi, Red Bull, Monster Beverage, Reliance, and Hell Energy, according to a Reuters report.
Earlier this month, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) said there are currently no prescribed Indian standards for products marketed as “energy drinks”. The regulator also raised concerns that promotional claims such as "vitalises body and mind" or "helps in general weakness" could mislead consumers. As part of the directive, FSSAI has instructed companies to remove the phrase “energy drink” and other similar descriptions from product packaging and labels.
During a meeting with industry representatives on Friday, FSSAI Chief Executive Rajit Punhani reportedly dismissed concerns that the decision could negatively affect businesses. He also told companies they were free to challenge the regulator's order in court if they disagreed with it. According to a government source, the companies later agreed to comply with the directive and have been given 90 days to revise their product labels.