Overview
- Issued on December 24, the clarification states that only beverages derived from Camellia sinensis may be labeled as tea under food product standards.
- Using the word tea for plant-based or herbal infusions is deemed misleading and amounts to misbranding under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
- Manufacturers, importers, sellers, and e-commerce platforms have been directed to stop applying the tea term to non-Camellia products or face regulatory action.
- State Commissioners of Food Safety and FSSAI Regional Directors have been tasked with monitoring compliance and taking action against violations.
- Non-Camellia drinks such as rooibos, flower, or herbal infusions must be relabeled under proprietary or non-specified food categories, a move welcomed by tea industry representatives for consumer clarity.