FSSAI Issues Notices to Red Bull, PepsiCo Over Energy Drink Misbranding and Misleading Claims

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued notices to six beverage brands, including Red Bull and PepsiCo India, over alleged misbranding and misleading claims linked to products sold as energy drinks in India. The regulator said the products used the term "energy drink" on their branding and labels even though no specific standard for such products exists under current FSSAI regulations.

The notices cover Red Bull Energy Drink, PepsiCo India's Adrenaline Rush Energy Drink, Reliance Consumer Products' Campa Energy Drink-Gold Boost, Sting Energy Drink, Hell Energy, and Coca-Cola-backed Monster Energy. In its official statement, FSSAI said the Food Category System under its regulations is not intended for product naming or labelling purposes.

FSSAI said it has not notified any standard for "Energy Drink" or similar products under existing rules. The regulator stated that several companies had "marketed using descriptors such as 'energy drink' on product branding and labelling," leading to concerns over misbranding and misleading claims.

According to The New Indian Express, comments from the six brands could not be obtained immediately after the notices were issued.

Also see: India’s Youth Suffering from Liver Damage Linked to Heavy Energy Drink Consumption: Experts

FSSAI said functional or therapeutic claims are not permitted for food products under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and the Rules and Regulations made thereunder. In its official statement, the regulator said claims including "vitalizes body and mind", "enhancing focus", "boost energy levels", and "aid in general weakness" are not allowed on food labels or promotional material.

The authority's action highlights its broader efforts to curb misleading advertising and ensure that food products do not imply medicinal or therapeutic benefits. In recent weeks, FSSAI has issued notices to several food business operators over similar concerns and has also acted on consumer complaints.

The latest notices add to FSSAI's recent actions against food business operators over misleading advertisements and misbranding, including cases arising from consumer complaints. The move reflects the regulator's continued focus on product labelling and promotional claims under existing food safety laws.

Reference:

1. Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). Standards of Energy Drinks. New Delhi: FSSAI, accessed July 4, 2026. https://fssai.gov.in/upload/uploadfiles/files/STANDARDS_OF_ENERGY_DRINKS.pdf

(Rh/TP/MSM)