Food regulator says only beverages made from Camellia sinensis can legally use the term, warns of action for violations
Indian food regulator FSSAI has warned companies against using the word “tea” to market herbal infusions and plant-based drinks that are not made from the Camellia sinensis plant, saying the practice is misleading and violates food safety laws.
In a directive dated 24 December, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) said it has found several products labelled as “herbal tea”, “rooibos tea” and “flower tea” despite not being derived from Camellia sinensis. Under current rules, only beverages obtained from this plant, including Kangra tea, green tea and instant tea, are permitted to be sold as tea.
“Such plant-based or herbal infusions or blends, which are not derived from Camellia sinensis, do not qualify to be named as tea,” the regulator said, adding that such labelling amounts to misleading and misbranding under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
The FSSAI directed all food business operators (FBOs), including manufacturers, packers, marketers, importers and ecommerce platforms, to comply strictly with labelling regulations. “All FBOs are directed to refrain from using the term ‘tea’ directly or indirectly for any products not derived from Camellia sinensis,” it said.
In a separate communication to food commissioners of all states and union territories, the regulator asked enforcement authorities to closely monitor the use of the term ‘tea’ on packaging and labels. It reiterated that only beverages made from Camellia sinensis, such as Kangra tea, green tea and instant tea, can legally carry the label.
“Food Business Operators, including ecommerce engaged in manufacturing, packing, marketing, import or sale of such products, are directed to comply with the provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Regulation and refrain from using the term ‘Tea’ for any products not derived from Camellia sinensis,” the letter said.
The regulator also referred to the Food Safety and Standards (Labelling and Display) Regulations, 2020, which require food packages to clearly state the true nature of the product on the front of the pack. “Every package shall carry the name of the food, which indicates the true nature of the food contained in the package, on the front of pack,” it said.
Warning of action in case of violations, the FSSAI added, “In case of non-compliance, necessary action shall be initiated as per the provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and the rules, regulations made thereunder.”
The move aims to improve transparency in food labelling and prevent consumer confusion, the regulator said, as demand for herbal and wellness beverages grows across India
