FSSAI Bars Food Firms from Terming Herbal Infusions ‘Tea’

Context:
To curb misleading food labels and protect consumer interests, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued a directive prohibiting food business operators from using the term ‘tea’ for products that are not derived from the Camellia sinensis plant. The move reinforces truthful labelling, regulatory clarity, and food governance standards.

Key Highlights:

FSSAI Directive on Labelling

• FSSAI has barred the use of the term ‘tea’ for:

  • Herbal infusions

  • Flower-based drinks

  • Other plant infusions not made from Camellia sinensis

• Labels such as ‘herbal tea’, ‘flower tea’, or ‘fruit tea’ are now considered misbranding.

Scientific Basis of the Regulation

• As per FSSAI regulations:

  • ‘Tea’ is exclusively defined as a beverage prepared from the leaves of Camellia sinensis.

• True teas include:

  • Black tea

  • Green tea

  • Oolong tea

  • White tea

• Herbal infusions are botanically and chemically distinct from true tea.

Consumer Protection Objective

• The directive aims to:

  • Prevent misleading marketing practices

  • Ensure informed consumer choice

  • Avoid false association of herbal infusions with the health or cultural attributes of tea

• Strengthens transparency in food labelling.

Implications for Food Businesses

• Food companies must:

  • Modify product labels and advertisements

  • Use alternative terms like ‘herbal infusion’, ‘botanical infusion’, or ‘plant-based beverage’

• Non-compliance may attract penalties under food safety laws.

Regulatory and Governance Significance

• Reflects proactive regulatory oversight by FSSAI.

• Aligns with global best practices on accurate food classification and nomenclature.

Relevant Prelims Points:

• Issue: Misbranding of herbal beverages.

• Key Authority: Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).

• Key Term:

  • Camellia sinensis – source plant of true tea.

• Examples of True Tea:

  • Green tea, black tea, oolong tea.

• Impact:

  • Enhanced consumer awareness

  • Clear distinction between tea and herbal infusions

Relevant Mains Points:

• Governance Aspect:

  • Role of regulators in ensuring truthful advertising and food safety.

• Science & Technology Dimension:

  • Botanical classification and food standardisation.

• Consumer Rights Perspective:

  • Right to accurate information and protection from deceptive practices.

• Conceptual Clarity:

  • Misbranding: Labelling products with false or misleading claims.

• Way Forward:

  • Strengthen enforcement of food labelling norms.

  • Educate consumers on differences between tea and herbal infusions.

  • Encourage innovation within transparent regulatory frameworks.

UPSC Relevance (GS-wise):

• GS Paper III – Science & Technology: Food standards, regulatory science.

• GS Paper II – Governance: Consumer protection, regulatory institutions.

• Prelims: FSSAI, misbranding, Camellia sinensis.