The End of the 'Energy Drink' Label
In a significant move for consumer safety, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has directed manufacturers to stop using the term 'energy drink' on their products. This recent directive, which gave major companies like Red Bull, PepsiCo,
and Monster 90 days to comply, is the culmination of years of regulatory scrutiny. The core issue is that FSSAI has no official standards for a product category called 'energy drinks'. Instead of banning the popular high-caffeine beverages, the regulator has mandated a change in how they are labelled and marketed to prevent misleading claims.
Why the Change Was Needed
The primary driver for this change was to curb misleading marketing and protect consumers. FSSAI raised concerns that promotional taglines like 'vitalises body and mind' or 'helps in general weakness' could deceive consumers into thinking these drinks offer therapeutic or health benefits. With no specific standards for what constitutes an 'energy' drink, companies had a free hand in marketing. By removing the label, the FSSAI aims to force these products to be sold based on what they actually are: high-caffeine beverages. This aligns with global trends where the health impacts of such drinks, particularly on young people, are under increasing scrutiny.
What They Are Called Now
With the 'energy' tag gone, these products are now officially classified as 'caffeinated beverages'. This seemingly small change is crucial. It shifts the focus from a vague promise of 'energy' to the primary active ingredient: caffeine. According to FSSAI regulations, any non-alcoholic beverage containing more than 145 milligrams of caffeine per litre must be labelled as a 'Caffeinated Beverage'. This standardisation puts them in a clearly defined regulatory box, making it easier for both authorities to monitor and consumers to identify.
Your Guide to Reading the New Labels
The power to make an informed choice now rests firmly with you, the consumer. The nutrition panel is your best tool. Here’s a simple checklist to use every time you pick up a can.
Step 1: Check the Total Caffeine
This is the most important number. FSSAI has capped the total caffeine content in these drinks at 320 mg per litre. Look for the mandatory declaration on the label that says 'High Caffeine: X mg/serving'. A standard 250ml can at the maximum limit would contain 80mg of caffeine. Understanding this helps you track your intake, especially as health experts advise moderate consumption. For context, a typical cup of coffee contains a similar amount.
Step 2: Look for Mandatory Warnings
The FSSAI has made specific warning labels compulsory for caffeinated beverages. Every can must prominently display a caution stating: 'Not recommended for children, pregnant or lactating women, persons sensitive to caffeine'. This is a clear red flag that these are not ordinary soft drinks. The regulations also mandate a declaration about the maximum recommended consumption per day, often stated as 'Consume not more than 500 ml per day'.
Step 3: Scrutinise the Sugar Content
While caffeine gets the headlines, the sugar content is equally concerning. Many of these beverages are packed with sugar to mask the bitterness of caffeine and other ingredients. On the nutrition label, look for 'Total Carbohydrates' and underneath it, 'Total Sugar' and 'Added Sugar'. A high sugar content (over 15g per 100g is a red flag) contributes significant empty calories and is linked to various health issues. Choosing a lower-sugar or sugar-free option is always a healthier bet.
