What Is the New FSSAI Rule?
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has directed manufacturers to change how they label highly caffeinated beverages. A key change is the removal of the term 'energy drink' from packaging, as FSSAI states there is no official standard
for such a category. More importantly for consumers, any drink with a caffeine content above 145 milligrams per litre must now be clearly labelled as a "Caffeinated Beverage". These products will also have to carry a prominent warning stating they are not recommended for children, pregnant or lactating women, and individuals sensitive to caffeine. Companies have been given a 90-day window to comply with these new directives, making it crucial for consumers to start paying closer attention to what they're drinking.
Why This Change Is Happening Now
The move is a response to growing global health concerns about the high levels of caffeine, sugar, and other stimulants in these beverages. Health experts have flagged the potential risks of excessive consumption, especially among young adults and teenagers, who are often the target audience for these products. High caffeine intake can overstimulate the nervous system, leading to anxiety, jitters, and disrupted sleep. It can also affect heart health by increasing blood pressure and causing an irregular heart rhythm. By mandating clearer labels and removing potentially misleading terms like 'energy drink', the FSSAI aims to help consumers make more informed and safer choices. The regulator has also forbidden promotional claims like "vitalises body and mind" that are not scientifically established.
What Counts as 'High Caffeine'?
Under the new regulations, the term "Caffeinated Beverage" applies to drinks with caffeine content between 145 mg and a maximum permissible limit of 300 mg per litre. To put that into perspective, a standard 150 ml cup of brewed coffee can contain between 80 to 120 mg of caffeine, while the same amount of tea has about 30 to 65 mg. A single can of a highly caffeinated beverage can contain 90-95 mg of caffeine or more. The safe upper limit for daily caffeine intake for most healthy adults is generally considered to be 400 mg from all sources, according to global health bodies. However, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) advises a more conservative limit of 300 mg per day. For adolescents, the recommended daily limit is much lower, at 100 mg or less.
How to Read the New Labels
When you pick up a can, look for the new disclosures. The label must explicitly state "High Caffeine" and specify the total quantity of caffeine per serving. You will also see a mandatory warning: "Not recommended for children, pregnant and lactating women, persons sensitive to caffeine". Some labels will also specify a maximum daily consumption, for example, advising to "Consume not more than 500 ml per day". This is part of a broader push by FSSAI for front-of-pack labelling, which will eventually include red warnings for products high in salt, sugar, and fat. Checking these details allows you to quickly assess how a single drink contributes to your total daily caffeine intake.
Making Informed Choices Beyond the Label
This new labelling is a tool, but true awareness goes a step further. It's helpful to be mindful of your total caffeine consumption throughout the day, which includes not just these beverages but also coffee, tea, certain soft drinks, and even chocolate. Symptoms of excessive caffeine intake can include headaches, irritability, dizziness, and difficulty sleeping. Becoming dependent on caffeine is also a risk, with withdrawal symptoms like fatigue and brain fog if you stop abruptly. Listen to your body. If you experience jitters or an uncomfortably fast heartbeat, it may be a sign to cut back. The goal of the new FSSAI rules is not to ban these drinks but to empower you with clear information, ensuring that when you reach for a boost, you know exactly what you're getting.
