Reliance had challenged FSSAI’s directive restricting high-caffeine beverage makers from using the “energy drinks” description
The Delhi High Court has allowed Mukesh Ambani-led Reliance Industries to continue marketing products under its Campa brand as “energy drinks”, Reuters reported. The relief comes after the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) directed manufacturers of high-caffeine beverages in June to stop using the “energy drinks” description.
Reliance Consumer Products, the beverages arm of Reliance Industries, challenged the FSSAI directive before the Delhi High Court on 1 October, seeking to have the regulator’s order quashed. The company argued that the action had disrupted its operations and affected the availability and market presence of its products.
During Tuesday’s hearing, the court questioned the food safety regulator over why it had not issued Reliance a notice before taking the action. The court said it was “never too late” for the regulator to correct its mistake. The matter will next come up for hearing on 5 November. The court is also scheduled to hear similar petitions filed by PepsiCo and Monster Beverage, which have challenged the FSSAI’s directive on the use of the “energy drinks” description for high-caffeine beverages. The proceedings could have implications for the way such products are labelled and marketed in India.
Reliance Petition
In its petition, Reliance Consumer Products said it had finished inventory of 168 million cans and 120 million plastic bottles carrying the “Energy Drink” label. It also said pre-printed packaging had been prepared for another 400 million cans and 360 million bottles bearing the same description.
The company told the court that state authorities had seized some of its stock following the FSSAI’s action, while ecommerce platforms had also been asked to delist the products. Reliance said these measures had caused “substantial disruption” to its business operations and affected its market presence and commercial goodwill.
The FSSAI’s June directive is part of a broader focus on food and beverage labelling and safety, including enforcement action and requirements concerning product descriptions and warnings. Reliance’s challenge, along with the petitions filed by PepsiCo and Monster Beverage, is now before the Delhi High Court.
(With input from agency)
