Overview
- FSSAI clarified on December 24 that only beverages derived from Camellia sinensis may be called tea, warning that other plant infusions labeled as tea constitute misbranding under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
- It instructed all food business operators, including manufacturers, importers, retailers and online marketplaces, to stop using the term for non‑Camellia products and to comply with labelling rules.
- The agency asked State Commissioners of Food Safety and FSSAI Regional Directors to ensure enforcement and take action against violations.
- The clarification cites Regulation 2.10.1 of the 2011 Food Product Standards, as well as the 2020 labelling rule requiring the name to reflect the product’s true nature on the front of pack.
- Products not from Camellia sinensis may continue to be sold if correctly classified as proprietary foods or under the 2017 non‑specified foods framework, and tea industry groups welcomed the move for reducing consumer confusion.