The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued a stern warning to food business operators against using the word ‘tea’ for herbal infusions and plant-based blends not derived from Camellia sinensis, terming it a case of misbranding and misleading practices under the law. The directive, issued on December 24, comes after the regulator found several food business operators (FBOs) marketing products, such as ‘Rooibos tea’, ‘herbal tea’ and ‘flower tea’, none of which are obtained from the Camellia sinensis plant.
“Such plant-based or herbal infusions or blends, which are not derived from Camellia sinensis, do not qualify to be named as tea,” the FSSAI clarified, adding that the violation amounts to misleading and misbranding under the provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
The regulator has directed all FBOs, including manufacturers, packers, marketers, importers and e-commerce platforms, to strictly comply with the labelling rules. “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 FSSAI asked enforcement officials to closely monitor the use of the term ‘tea’ on packaging and labelling. The regulator reiterated that only beverages made from Camellia sinensis, such as Kangra tea, green tea and instant tea, are permitted to carry the label.
“Food Business Operators, including e-commerce 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 stated.
The FSSAI also highlighted labelling requirements under the Food Safety and Standards (Labelling and Display) Regulations, 2020, which mandate that every package must clearly indicate the true nature of the food 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 regulator 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, FSSAI said, is aimed at improving transparency in food labelling and preventing consumer confusion, particularly as herbal and wellness beverages gain popularity across the country.
PTI
