Why FSSAI Says Only Camellia Sinensis Is ‘Real’ Tea, and What It Means for Green, Herbal Teas

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI has issued a clarification stating that a beverage can be labelled “tea” only if it is derived from the plant Camellia sinensis. The explanation

addresses growing confusion, which is caused by the widespread use of the term for even herbal and plant-based infusions, which include flower tea and rooibos tea, that do not originate from the traditional tea plant. “Clarification on the use of the term ‘Tea’ on packaging and labelling. Only beverages derived from Camellia sinensis, including Kangra Tea, Green Tea, and Instant Tea, can be labelled as Tea. Using the term for other herbal or plant-based infusions is misleading & amounts to misbranding,” stated FSSAI in a post on X. The authority also pointed to labelling rules that require food packages to reflect the nature of the product on the front of the pack. According to the clarification, all the products derived from flowers or other plants do not qualify to be called tea and must be marketed under appropriate categories like proprietary foods or non-specified food products.

How is tea made?

Tea is made from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant, undergoing processes like withering, rolling, oxidation, and drying, which vary to create different types that are black, green, and oolong, by controlling how much the leaves ferment and change colour and flavour. All teas start with plucking the leaves, but different treatments, like steaming for green tea, which stops oxidation apart from full oxidation for black tea, define the final product.

Variations of tea

Green tea

Oxidation is prevented by quickly heating (steaming or pan-frying) the leaves after plucking to keep them green.

Oolong tea

Partially oxidized, falling between green and black teas in flavour and colour.

Black tea

It is fully oxidized before drying, resulting in its characteristic dark colour and strong taste.

White tea

Minimal processing, often just withered and dried, preserves its delicate nature.

Why should you drink tea?

People across the world drink tea for many reasons, which include different flavours, stimulating caffeine, significant health benefits from antioxidants like polyphenols, the calming effects, and its deep cultural role as a social ritual, symbol of hospitality, and comforting daily habit. Tea is a versatile drink that helps quench thirst, boost focus, promote heart and immune health, and foster connections.

Health benefits of drinking tea

A few health benefits of drinking tea include:

Lowers heart issues

Studies say drinking tea regularly leads to almost a 20 per cent reduction in the risk of heart attack and a 35 per cent reduced risk of stroke. It is also great for lowering LDL or bad cholesterol levels and triglycerides.

Helps in weight loss

Tea is instrumental in helping boost metabolism, which is great for quick weight loss, especially in winter.

Protects your bones

Data from recent animal studies have shown that green tea may prevent bone loss and breakage.

Helps battle cancer

According to studies, tea consumption is great for battling cancer as it is loaded with antioxidants.

Regulates digestion

Herbal teas like chamomile are great for those with irritable bowel syndrome because they are antispasmodic. Other herbal teas, such as ginger, help calm nausea.