India’s food safety regulator, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), has issued stricter guidelines regarding the use of the term “tea.” Only products made from the Camellia sinensis plant are now allowed to be labeled as “tea.” This decision comes as many food businesses have been incorrectly labeling herbal infusions and plant-based drinks as “tea,” which the FSSAI deems misleading to consumers and a violation of food safety laws.
The FSSAI highlighted instances where products like “Rooibos tea,” “herbal tea,” and “flower tea” were being marketed despite not being derived from the tea plant. Such beverages, according to the authority, do not meet the legal definition of tea and are prohibited from being marketed as such. Only infusions made from Camellia sinensis, such as green tea and Kangra tea, are considered tea under the regulations.
To ensure compliance, the FSSAI has instructed all food business operators, including manufacturers, packers, and e-commerce platforms, to refrain from using the term “tea” for products not sourced from Camellia sinensis. Failure to adhere to these guidelines will be viewed as a breach of food safety regulations. State food safety officials have been directed to rigorously enforce these rules across offline and online sales channels to uphold proper labeling practices.
Experts have noted that this initiative by the FSSAI aims to prevent consumer confusion and enhance transparency in the labeling and sale of food and beverage items.
