Overview
- FSSAI’s December 24 clarification states only beverages derived from Camellia sinensis may be called tea, with use of the term for herbal or plant infusions deemed misbranding under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
- All food business operators, including e-commerce platforms, have been told to stop using “tea” for non‑Camellia products, with state food commissioners and FSSAI regional directors instructed to monitor and act against violations.
- Non‑Camellia infusions must adopt accurate product names and may be sold as proprietary foods or under the 2017 Approval for Non‑Specified Food and Food Ingredients Regulations, depending on composition.
- No grace period has been announced, with the regulator framing the step as enforcement of 2011 and 2020 standards and directing immediate compliance.
- Tea industry groups welcomed the clarity, while Mint reports the fast-growing herbal and wellness segment—estimated at about ₹19.3 billion in 2024—faces widespread relabelling, including brands such as Organic India, Vahdam and Tea Treasure.