Herbal tea, flower tea labels misleading: FSSAI cracks down on misuse of ‘tea’ term

According to the provision, only beverages derived from Camellia sinensis, including Kangra Tea, Green Tea & Instant Tea, may be labelled as Tea.

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued a strong warning to food business operators (FBOs) against using the word “tea” for herbal infusions and plant-based drinks that are not made from the Camellia sinensis plant, calling such practices misleading and a case of misbranding under the law.

In a directive issued on December 24, the regulator said it has noticed several products in the market labelled as “herbal tea”, “rooibos tea” and “flower tea”, even though they are not derived from Camellia sinensis. As per existing food safety norms, only beverages obtained from this plant, including Kangra tea, green tea and instant tea, can legally be labelled as tea.

“Such plant-based or herbal infusions or blends, which are not derived from Camellia sinensis, do not qualify to be named as tea,” the FSSAI clarified, adding that the violation amounts to misleading and misbranding under the provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.

The regulator has directed all FBOs, including manufacturers, packers, marketers, importers and e-commerce platforms, to strictly comply with the labelling rules. “All FBOs are directed to refrain from using the term ‘tea’ directly or indirectly for any products not derived from Camellia sinensis,” it said.

In a separate communication to Food Commissioners of all States and Union Territories, the FSSAI asked enforcement officials to closely monitor the use of the term ‘tea’ on packaging and labelling. The regulator reiterated that only beverages made from Camellia sinensis, such as Kangra tea, green tea and instant tea, are permitted to carry the label.

“Food Business Operators, including e-commerce engaged in manufacturing, packing, marketing, import or sale of such products, are directed to comply with the provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Regulation and refrain from using the term ‘Tea’ for any products not derived from Camellia sinensis,” the letter stated.

The FSSAI also highlighted labelling requirements under the Food Safety and Standards (Labelling and Display) Regulations, 2020, which mandate that every package must clearly indicate the true nature of the food on the front of the pack. “Every package shall carry the name of the food, which indicates the true nature of the food contained in the package, on the Front of Pack,” it said.

Warning of action in case of violations, the regulator added,  “In case of non-compliance, necessary action shall be initiated as per the provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and the rules/regulations made thereunder.”

The move, FSSAI said, is aimed at improving transparency in food labelling and preventing consumer confusion, particularly as herbal and wellness beverages gain popularity across the country.