India's FSSAI issues notices to six energy‑drink brands over misleading claims

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has sent regulatory notices to six beverage manufacturers, including Red Bull, Sting, PepsiCo India, Campa, Monster and others. The notices allege that the companies use the term “energy drink” and make health‑related claims—such as boosting energy, improving focus or refreshing the body—without any standard or scientific basis allowed under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 and the 2011 Food Products Standards and Food Additives Regulations.

FSSAI said no specific standard exists for “energy drinks” and that such functional or therapeutic claims are prohibited. The regulator instructed the firms to cease the alleged misleading branding and labeling, and to take corrective actions. This action follows earlier notices to food‑business operators for similar violations, underscoring the agency’s broader crackdown on deceptive marketing in the food and beverage sector.