The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued a strict directive cautioning food business operators against using the term “tea” for herbal infusions and plant-based blends that are not derived from the Camellia sinensisplant, calling the practice misleading and a case of misbranding under the law.
In an order issued on December 24, the food regulator noted that several food business operators (FBOs) were marketing products such as Rooibos tea, herbal tea and flower tea, even though these beverages are not obtained from Camellia sinensis. As per FSSAI regulations, the word “tea” can only be used on packaging and labels for products derived from Camellia sinensis, including variants such as Kangra tea, green tea and instant 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. It added that the use of the term in such cases amounts to misleading consumers and misbranding under the provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
The authority has directed all FBOs — including those involved in e-commerce, manufacturing, packaging, marketing, import or sale of such products — to ensure strict compliance with food safety norms. “All FBOs are directed to refrain from using the term ‘tea’, directly or indirectly, for any products not derived from Camellia sinensis,” the FSSAI said.
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