Archive · 29 Sep 2026
Delhi High Court Sets Aside FSSAI Red Bull Label Order
FSSAI told Red Bull to stop calling its caffeinated drink an “energy drink.”
Red Bull said it should have been allowed to explain its position first.
The Delhi High Court agreed that this fair-he hearing step was missing.
The court cancelled the original order because of that process problem.
It did not decide whether the label is legal.
FSSAI can examine the issue again after sending a proper show-cause notice.
Red Bull can continue using the term for now because the order was set aside.
Other drink companies using similar labels may watch the new proceedings closely.
The Delhi High Court set aside FSSAI’s June 30, 2026 order directing Red Bull to stop using “energy drink” on its labels.
Justice Amit Mahajan ruled that Red Bull was not given a proper opportunity to submit a reply or explanation before the order.
The court did not decide whether the “energy drink” descriptor ultimately complies with FSSAI rules.
FSSAI must issue a show-cause notice, hear Red Bull, and then reconsider the labeling issue.
The action could affect other brands, including Adrenaline Rush, Sting, Monster Energy, Hell Energy, and Campa Energy.
- Who
- Red Bull India Private Ltd, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India, and Justice Amit Mahajan of the Delhi High Court.
- What
- The Delhi High Court set aside FSSAI’s order directing Red Bull to remove the “energy drink” descriptor from its labels.
- When
- The challenged order was dated June 30, 2026; the court issued its ruling on Tuesday. FSSAI also referred to later discussions, including a July 24 meeting.
- Where
- The case was heard in the Delhi High Court and concerns beverage labeling in India.
- Why
- The court found that FSSAI issued the directive without first giving Red Bull an opportunity to respond or explain its position.
Red Bull’s Position
FSSAI’s Position
Opportunity to respond
Red Bull’s Position
Red Bull argued that FSSAI issued the directive without allowing it to formally reply or explain its position.
FSSAI’s Position
FSSAI said Red Bull had submitted representations and participated in discussions, including a meeting where it agreed to make changes within 60 days.
Use of the descriptor
Red Bull’s Position
Red Bull said it has used “energy drink” in India since 2002 and that earlier regulatory guidance recognized the terminology for certain caffeinated beverages.
FSSAI’s Position
FSSAI said its food-category system does not determine product naming and that descriptors or claims such as “energy drink” require legal support.
Timing of discussions
Red Bull’s Position
Red Bull said the meeting relied on by FSSAI occurred after the June 30 order and could not replace a prior opportunity to respond.
FSSAI’s Position
FSSAI maintained that the June 30 communication itself served as notice and pointed to Red Bull’s later participation in discussions. The court held that later discussions did not cure the lack of a prior hearing.
- Court
- Delhi High Court
- Regulator
- Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI)
- Challenged order
- June 30, 2026 direction barring Red Bull from using “energy drink” on its product
- Legal basis of ruling
- Violation of principles of natural justice because Red Bull was not heard beforehand
- Next step
- FSSAI must issue a show-cause notice, hear Red Bull, and reconsider the matter
- Current labeling position
- Red Bull can continue using “energy drink” for now because the order was set aside
- Market projection
- India’s energy drinks market is expected to reach $1.6 billion by 2028, with annual growth estimated at 12.6%
