FSSAI Directs Ecommerce Platforms To Revise Labelling Of Malt-based Drinks
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued a directive to all ecommerce companies, urging them to refrain from labelling dairy-based, cereal-based, or malt-based beverages as 'health drink' or 'energy drink'.
This move comes in response to the absence of a defined classification for 'health drink' in the country's food laws, and the specific definition of 'energy drink' which applies to flavoured water-based drinks, both carbonated and non-carbonated, under existing regulations.
Highlighting the potential for consumer confusion, the FSSAI emphasised the importance of accurate labelling and cautioned against the use of misleading terms. Therefore, it has instructed all e-commerce Food Business Operators (FBOs) to take corrective measures by removing or delinking such beverages from the categories of 'Health Drinks / Energy Drinks'.
The FSSAI clarified that neither the term 'Health Drink' nor its standardisation is outlined under the FSS Act 2006 or its corresponding rules and regulations governing the food industry. Furthermore, it reiterated that 'Energy Drinks' are strictly designated for use on products such as carbonated and non-carbonated water-based flavoured drinks.
In a statement, the FSSAI underscored the importance of enhancing clarity and transparency regarding the nature and functional properties of products. The aim is to empower consumers to make well-informed choices without encountering misleading information.
It may be noted that companies like PepsiCo, Coca-Cola, and Hell have been actively marketing energy drinks at competitive prices, a fraction of the cost compared to global leaders such as Red Bull and Monster.
These beverages have seen widespread availability in grocery stores as well. Based on data from researcher NielsenIQ, energy drink sales have been surging at an annual growth rate of 50-55 per cent, as reported by company executives.
Despite their popularity, concerns have been raised about the increasing consumption of energy drinks, particularly among young people, due to potential health risks associated with excessive intake, as indicated by various studies.
The directive from the FSSAI is expected to promote greater accountability and accuracy in product labelling, ultimately safeguarding consumer interests and public health.
