India's Food Safety and Standards Authority (FSSAI) has mandated that beverage companies, including PepsiCo, Red Bull, and Monster Energy, remove the term 'energy drink' from their product labels within 90 days, according to a directive issued on July 22, 2026. The regulator stated that the term is misleading as it implies health benefits not substantiated by scientific evidence.
The order affects popular brands such as Sting (PepsiCo), Red Bull, Monster, and others. Industry bodies, including the Indian Beverage Association, have protested, arguing that the term is globally recognized and that the change will confuse consumers and hurt sales. They have requested an extension of the compliance deadline.
The FSSAI's move aligns with global trends to regulate high-caffeine and high-sugar beverages more strictly. The new labels must instead use terms like 'caffeinated beverage' or 'stimulant drink'. Non-compliance could result in fines or product seizures.
This is not the first such action; in 2023, the FSSAI banned the sale of energy drinks to minors in some states. The current directive is expected to be implemented by October 2026.
