Red Bull, Sting, etc. not recognised as 'energy drinks', says food regulator FSSAI as it issues notices over misleading claims

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued notices to several beverage brands for misbranding and making misleading claims by marketing their products as 'energy drinks'. Separately, the Maharashtra government has announced a ban on the sale of Sting energy drink and other intoxicating substances within 500 metres of schools.
FSSAI said no standard exists for "energy drinks" under India's food safety rules, while Maharashtra's Food and Drug Administration (FDA) cited concerns over the effect of such drinks on schoolchildren.

FSSAI Flags Misbranding

FSSAI shared the notices in a post on X. The regulator said it had "issued notices to several beverage brands claiming to be 'energy drinks' for misbranding and misleading claims."



The notices name Hell Energy Drink, Adrenaline Rush Energy Drink, Red Bull Energy Drink and Sting Energy Drink.
FSSAI stated, "FSSAI has not notified any standard for 'Energy Drink' or similar products."

The regulator added that the Food Category System under the FSS Regulations, 2011 "is not intended for product naming or labelling purposes."

Claims Under Objection

FSSAI said companies cannot make functional or therapeutic claims about boosting energy, improving focus or addressing general weakness unless the law permits this.

For Hell Energy Drink and Adrenaline Rush Energy Drink, FSSAI said claims relating to "boosting energy," "enhancing focus," and "aiding general weakness" are "not permissible for food products under the FSS Act 2006 and the Rules and Regulations made thereunder."

For Red Bull Energy Drink, FSSAI objected to the claims "vitalizes body and mind," "enhancing focus," "boost energy levels," and "aid in general weakness."

For Sting Energy Drink, FSSAI raised objections to the claims "stimulates mind energizes body," "enhancing focus," "boost energy levels," and "aid in general weakness."

FSSAI said such functional or therapeutic claims are not allowed for food products. The regulator said it is stepping up scrutiny of branding and labelling practices to prevent claims that could mislead consumers or suggest regulatory approval where none exists.

Maharashtra Bars Sale Near SchoolsThe Maharashtra government announced on Friday that Sting energy drink and other intoxicating substances cannot be sold within 500 metres of schools. The decision follows concerns over ingredients in the drink that are considered unsuitable for children.

The announcement came in response to a question raised by BJP MLA Vikram Pachpute in the state legislative assembly. Food and Drug Administration Minister Narhari Zirwal said the decision was taken amid concerns about the impact of energy drinks on schoolchildren.

Zirwal said, "The concerns raised by the honourable member regarding the sale of 'Sting' energy drink in and around school premises are valid to some extent. If the sale of such energy drinks or any other intoxicating substances is found within 500 metres of a school campus, immediate action will be taken against those responsible."

The minister said the FDA has been directed to enforce the restriction. He also said schools have been asked to run awareness programmes to inform students about the health risks of consuming energy drinks. Health experts note that energy drinks are often high in caffeine and sugar.

Calls for Stricter Rules

Pachpute also asked whether the government would bar the sale of the energy drink to those below 18 years of age.
MLAs Rahul Kul and Varun Sardesai urged the government to take stricter steps to prevent easy access to such beverages for children.

Zirwal said the government would strengthen awareness campaigns at the school level and ensure the restriction is implemented effectively.

(Inputs from PTI)