Archive · 27 Jul 2026
India Orders Energy Drink Label Removal
India's food safety authority has told big companies like Pepsi and Red Bull to stop calling their high-caffeine drinks 'energy drinks.'
They say the term is misleading because there are no official rules for what makes a drink an 'energy drink.'
The companies are worried this will hurt their sales, but the government says they can challenge the decision in court.
Other countries are also taking action against these drinks because of concerns about the high levels of caffeine and sugar.
In India, these drinks are very popular, especially among young people and in rural areas.
The government has even started seizing bottles of these drinks in some states.
India's FSSAI orders companies to remove 'energy drink' labels within 90 days.
Companies like Pepsi, Red Bull, and Monster Beverage are affected.
FSSAI calls 'energy drink' claims misleading and lacking regulatory standards.
Companies fear the change could weaken their brands and disrupt sales.
India's energy drink market is projected to reach $1.6 billion by 2028.
- Who
- Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), Pepsi, Red Bull, Monster Beverage, Reliance, Hell Energy
- What
- Order to remove 'energy drink' labels from high-caffeine beverages
- When
- Order issued with a 90-day compliance deadline
- Where
- India
- Why
- FSSAI claims 'energy drink' labels are misleading and lack regulatory standards
Regulatory Authority
Beverage Industry
Labeling Regulations
Regulatory Authority
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has ordered companies to remove 'energy drink' labels, citing misleading claims and lack of standards.
Beverage Industry
The Indian Beverage Association argues that the sudden change could disrupt operations and confuse consumers, advocating for a consultative approach.
Impact on Sales
Regulatory Authority
FSSAI claims the order is necessary to protect consumers from misleading health claims.
Beverage Industry
Companies fear that removing the 'energy drink' label could weaken their brands and disrupt sales.
- Regulatory Authority
- Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI)
- Companies Affected
- Pepsi, Red Bull, Monster Beverage, Reliance, Hell Energy
- Compliance Deadline
- 90 days
- Market Size
- $1.6 billion by 2028
- Annual Growth
- 12.6%
- Popular Brands
- Sting, Campa Energy, Red Bull
- Regulatory Action in Other Countries
- England bans sale to under 16s; Pakistan requires 'stimulant drink' labels
Sources
FSSAI orders Pepsi, Red Bull, Monster to drop ‘energy drink’ label from high-caffeine products
FSSAI firm on ‘energy drink’ crackdown despite Pepsi, Red Bull, Monster protest
India Orders Pepsi, Red Bull and Monster to Drop ‘Energy Drink’ Label - Telegraph India
FSSAI Doubles Down On 'Energy Drink' Labels: Red Bull, Pepsi, Monster Told To Drop The Claim
FSSAI gives 90 days timeline to energy drink brands for transition
