FSSAI has warned food businesses, Issued these specific instructions regarding tea
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued a strict warning to food businesses, directing them not to market herbal infusions or plant-based blends as “tea” unless they are derived from the Camellia sinensis plant. Issued on December 24, the directive follows the regulator’s findings that several companies were selling products such as “rooibos tea,” “herbal tea,” and “flower tea” under the tea label despite not containing Camellia sinensis.
According to FSSAI regulations, the term ‘tea’ can only be used for products derived from Camellia sinensis, such as Kangra tea, green tea, and instant tea. The authority clarified that it is incorrect to label all herbal infusions and plant-based blends as ‘tea,’ as they do not originate from the true source of tea. Considering this a case of misleading and misbranding under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, the FSSAI has directed all food businesses not to label any product that is not derived from Camellia sinensis as ‘tea’.
The authority has issued strict instructions to all businesses involved in e-commerce, production, packaging, marketing, import, and sale to comply with food safety regulations. It has also directed state authorities to ensure that online retailers strictly adhere to these provisions. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) clarified that this step has been taken to prevent consumer confusion and to provide them with accurate product information.
