India's Regulatory Body Bans 'Energy Drink' Label for High-Caffeine Beverages, Impacting Major Brands
India's food safety regulator, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), has mandated that manufacturers of high-caffeine beverages cease using the term 'energy drinks' to describe their products. This decision, announced earlier this month, is part of a broader regulatory effort to address health concerns associated with high levels of caffeine, sugar, and taurine in these beverages. Major companies such as Pepsi, Red Bull, and Monster have opposed the move, arguing that it could confuse consumers and harm brands that rely on the 'instant-energy' marketing message. Despite these objections, FSSAI Chief Executive Rajit Punhani has given companies 90 days to comply with the new labeling requirements. The decision comes as the energy drink market in India is rapidly expanding, projected to reach $1.6 billion by 2028. 
