FSSAI Questions ‘Energy Drink’ Claims of Six Beverage Brands.

FSSAI has issued notices to six leading beverage brands over the use of the term “energy drink” and certain promotional claims, alleging possible violations of India’s food safety regulations. The regulator stated that no notified food standard currently recognises “energy drink” as a separate category and questioned claims implying functional or therapeutic benefits. Notices have been issued to products from Red Bull, PepsiCo, Reliance Consumer Products, Sting, Hell, and Monster. The companies’ responses and any further regulatory action remain awaited.

FSSAI Issues Notices to Red Bull, PepsiCo, Reliance, Sting, Hell and Monster Over ‘Energy Drink’ Labelling Claims

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued notices to six leading beverage brands, alleging misbranding and misleading promotional claims linked to products marketed as “energy drinks” under India’s food safety framework.

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued notices to six prominent beverage brands for using the term “energy drink” and for alleged misleading product claims, marking another significant regulatory action aimed at strengthening food labelling compliance across India.

The notices have been issued to Red Bull Energy Drink, PepsiCo India Holdings’ Adrenaline Rush Energy Drink, Reliance Consumer Products’ Campa Energy Drink Gold Boost, Sting Energy Drink, Hell Energy, and Coca-Cola-backed Monster Energy, according to the food safety regulator’s official communication.

FSSAI announced the enforcement action through its official Instagram account, stating that the notices relate to alleged violations involving branding, product labelling and promotional claims that may not comply with the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 and applicable regulations.

FSSAI Questions ‘Energy Drink’ Classification Under Existing Rules

According to FSSAI, India has not notified any specific regulatory standard recognising “energy drinks” or similar beverages as a defined food category under the existing food safety framework.

The regulator clarified that the classification system contained in the Food Safety and Standards (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Regulations, 2011 exists solely for regulatory categorisation and should not be used as a product name or marketing description.

FSSAI alleged that several manufacturers have marketed beverages with descriptors such as “energy drink” despite the absence of a notified legal standard for products bearing that designation.

The regulator emphasised that food business operators are expected to ensure that product branding, packaging and labelling remain fully aligned with applicable statutory provisions governing food products sold in India.

Regulator Objects to Functional and Therapeutic Product Claims

Apart from the use of the term “energy drink”, FSSAI also objected to several functional and therapeutic claims displayed on product packaging or promotional material associated with these beverages.

Among the claims highlighted by the regulator were statements including “boosts energy levels”, “enhances focus”, “vitalises body and mind”, “stimulates mind”, “energises body”, and “aids in general weakness”.

According to FSSAI, such statements are not permitted for food products under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 and the regulations framed under the legislation unless specifically authorised.

The regulator has stated that these types of promotional claims could potentially mislead consumers if they imply physiological or therapeutic benefits not permitted within the current legal framework governing food products.

Also Read: Traders Seek Probe Into Ulhasnagar Jeans Market.

No Immediate Response From Beverage Companies

At the time of the announcement, responses from Red Bull, PepsiCo India Holdings, Reliance Consumer Products, Hell Energy, Monster Energy, and the manufacturers of Sting Energy Drink were not immediately available.

FSSAI has also not publicly disclosed whether the companies have submitted explanations in response to the notices or whether any corrective measures have already been initiated by the concerned businesses.

The regulator has similarly not announced whether additional enforcement proceedings, penalties or further regulatory action may follow depending upon the responses received from the companies.

Recent Enforcement Reflects Wider Food Safety Compliance Drive

The latest notices form part of FSSAI’s broader enforcement campaign targeting alleged misbranding, misleading advertisements, inaccurate labelling practices and consumer complaints involving food business operators across multiple product categories.

In recent months, the regulator has increasingly publicised enforcement actions through digital platforms including Instagram and X, seeking to improve consumer awareness while encouraging voluntary compliance with India’s food safety regulations.

The latest development underscores FSSAI’s continued focus on ensuring that food labels, advertising claims and product descriptions accurately reflect the legal standards prescribed under India’s food safety framework. As regulatory scrutiny increases, further responses from the companies and any subsequent action by the regulator are likely to be closely watched.

Readers’ Appeal

Sprouts News has consistently highlighted concerns surrounding so-called energy drinks. If you have verified information, documents or evidence regarding misleading food claims, write to Unmesh Gujarathi, Editor-in-Chief, for independent verification in the larger public interest.

Editorial Note:

This article is based on publicly available FIR records, court case references, and reports published by multiple media organisations. The information is presented in the context of ongoing investigations and public interest reporting. Sprouts News does not make any judicial determination regarding the individuals mentioned and does not intend to defame any person or organisation. Any individual seeking clarification or wishing to provide an official response may contact the editorial team with verifiable documentation. The information is presented for journalistic and informational purposes.