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Red Bull wins legal challenge against FSSAI 'energy drink' label ban
The Delhi High Court has quashed an order by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) that prohibited Red Bull from using the 'energy drink' descriptor on its products. Justice Amit Mahajan ruled that the regulator violated principles of natural justice by issuing the directive without a show-cause notice or providing the company an opportunity to be heard. While the court set aside the immediate restriction, it granted FSSAI the liberty to issue a fresh decision following due process.
This legal victory comes amid broader regulatory shifts in India regarding food labeling. The FSSAI has proposed a new system of red hexagonal warning labels for packaged foods high in salt, sugar, or saturated fat. However, the Supreme Court of India has criticized the regulator's proposed implementation timeline, questioning why extensive new consultations are required when the process has been ongoing for years.
Industry groups, including the All India Food Processors Association, have expressed concerns regarding the proposed labeling, suggesting that red warning symbols could be confused with non-vegetarian food markings. Meanwhile, the FSSAI maintains that its actions are necessary to prevent consumer deception regarding the health benefits of caffeinated beverages.
Entities
Amit Mahajan · Delhi High Court · Food Safety and Standards Authority of India · PepsiCo · Red Bull · Supreme Court of India
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 4 SOURCES] The court ruled that FSSAI violated principles of natural justice by not providing Red Bull a hearing or show-cause notice. english.mathrubhumi.com · www.livelaw.in · www.punjabkesari.com · thepatriot.in
- [● 2 SOURCES] Red Bull has used the 'energy drink' descriptor in India since 2002. www.latestly.com · www.livelaw.in
- [● 5 SOURCES] The Delhi High Court quashed the FSSAI order directing Red Bull to stop using the 'energy drink' label. english.mathrubhumi.com · hindi.newsbytesapp.com · www.livelaw.in · www.punjabkesari.com · thepatriot.in
- [● 2 SOURCES] The Supreme Court questioned the FSSAI's lengthy proposed timeline for implementing front-of-pack warning labels. www.esmmagazine.com · www.news18.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] FSSAI directed companies to stop using the 'energy drink' descriptor because it does not recognize it as a standardized category. www.newsbytesapp.com · www.timesnownews.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] FSSAI proposed red hexagonal warning labels for packaged foods high in added sugar, salt, or saturated fat. www.devdiscourse.com · www.en.etemaaddaily.com · www.news18.com