Under current FSSAI tea labelling regulations, use of the term “tea” for non-Camellia sinensis products constitutes misbranding and attracts enforcement action.
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has clarified that only beverages derived from the plant Camellia sinensis may be marketed and sold as “tea” in India, thereby tightening regulatory oversight on labelling and packaging practices for tea products.
The regulator noted that several Food Business Operators (FBOs) are marketing products not obtained from Camellia sinensis under the “tea” label, including variants such as rooibos tea, herbal tea, and flower tea. FSSAI stated that this practice is misleading and constitutes misbranding under existing food safety laws. Under the current regulatory framework, only products made exclusively from Camellia sinensis qualify as tea, including recognised varieties such as Kangra tea, green tea, and instant tea in solid form.
Key FSSAI Directives on Tea Labelling
- Tea Definition: Only products derived from Camellia sinensis may be labelled as “tea.”
- Misbranding Prohibition: Using “tea” for herbal or plant-based blends (e.g., chamomile, hibiscus, rooibos) is misleading and prohibited.
- Terminology for Infusions: Such products must be labelled as “Herbal Infusion,” “Flower Infusion,” or “Tisane,” as applicable.
- Flavours declaration: Tea with added flavours must be declared as “Flavoured Tea.”
- Enforcement: State and regional food safety authorities will monitor compliance, with penalties for violations.
FSSAI further emphasised that labelling regulations require food packages to clearly declare the true nature of the product on the front of the pack to ensure consumers are not misled about what they are purchasing. The authority stated that the use of the word “tea,” whether directly or indirectly, for plant-based or herbal infusions not derived from Camellia sinensis violates these provisions and amounts to misbranding under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and the rules and regulations framed thereunder.
According to FSSAI, such products do not qualify to be named as tea under the existing standards. Depending on their composition, they may instead be classified as proprietary foods or require approval under the Food Safety and Standards (Approval for Non-Specified Food and Food Ingredients) Regulations, 2017.
The clarification reiterates that, as per Regulation 2.10.1 of the Food Safety and Standards (Food Product Standards and Food Additives) Regulations, 2011, “tea (including Kangra tea, green tea and instant tea in solid form) shall be exclusively from the plant of Camellia sinensis.” In addition, Regulation 5(1) of the Food Safety and Standards (Labelling and Display) Regulations, 2020 mandates that every package must carry the name of the food indicating its true nature on the front of the pack.
Accordingly, all Food Business Operators, including those operating through e-commerce platforms and engaged in the manufacture, packing, marketing, import, or sale of such products, have been directed to comply with the applicable regulations and refrain from using the term “tea” for products not derived from Camellia sinensis.
FSSAI has also requested the Commissioners of Food Safety of all States and Union Territories, as well as its Regional Directors, to instruct Designated Officers and Food Safety Officers under their jurisdiction to monitor and ensure strict compliance with these provisions by all Food Business Operators, including e-commerce entities.
Have a news or topic to share with industry? Write to us editorial@pfionline.com
