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26 Dec 2025·Source: The Hindu
2 min
Polity & GovernanceEconomyNEWS

FSSAI Mandates Clear Labeling: Herbal Infusions Cannot Be Called 'Tea'

FSSAI directs food businesses to stop labeling herbal infusions as 'tea' unless from Camellia sinensis.

FSSAI Mandates Clear Labeling: Herbal Infusions Cannot Be Called 'Tea'

Photo by Eric Prouzet

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued a directive prohibiting food business operators from labeling herbal infusions as 'tea' unless they are derived from the leaves, buds, or tender stems of the Camellia sinensis plant. This move aims to prevent consumer deception and ensure accurate product labeling.

The FSSAI clarified that products like chamomile, peppermint, or hibiscus infusions, while popular, do not qualify as 'tea' and must be labeled appropriately to avoid misleading consumers about their origin and composition. This regulatory clarity is crucial for consumer protection and fair trade practices in the food industry.

Key Facts

1.

FSSAI directive issued

2.

Herbal infusions cannot be called 'tea'

3.

Only products from Camellia sinensis can be labeled 'tea'

4.

Aims to prevent consumer deception

UPSC Exam Angles

1.

Role and functions of statutory bodies (FSSAI) in governance

2.

Consumer protection laws and mechanisms in India (Consumer Protection Act 2019)

3.

Food standards and regulations, including international benchmarks (Codex Alimentarius)

4.

Impact of regulatory directives on food industry and trade practices

5.

Definition and classification of agricultural products (e.g., GI tags for tea)

6.

Ethical considerations in advertising and labeling

Visual Insights

FSSAI's Regulatory Milestones & 'Tea' Labeling Directive

Chronicles key legislative and regulatory actions by FSSAI, demonstrating its continuous efforts in consumer protection and food safety, culminating in the recent mandate on 'tea' labeling.

The timeline illustrates FSSAI's consistent evolution from its foundational act to specific, proactive regulations. This shows its commitment to adapting to market needs, ensuring accurate product information, and safeguarding consumer interests in the dynamic food industry.

  • 2006Food Safety and Standards Act enacted (Foundation of unified food law)
  • 2008FSSAI operationalized (Apex regulatory body established)
  • 2018'Eat Right India' movement launched (Promoting healthy & sustainable food practices)
  • 2020FoSCos system introduced (Online licensing & registration for FBOs); FSS (Labeling and Display) Regulations, 2020 issued
  • 2023Enhanced focus on reducing trans-fats and promoting fortified foods (Addressing nutritional deficiencies)
  • 2024Streamlining food recall procedures and enhancing traceability in the food supply chain (Transparency & efficiency)
  • 2025FSSAI mandates clear labeling: Herbal Infusions cannot be called 'Tea' (Current News - Consumer protection against deception)
More Information

Background

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) was established under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. Its primary role is to lay down science-based standards for articles of food and to regulate their manufacture, storage, distribution, sale, and import to ensure availability of safe and wholesome food for human consumption. This directive on 'tea' labeling is part of its ongoing efforts to prevent consumer deception and ensure accurate product information.

Latest Developments

FSSAI has recently clarified that only products derived from Camellia sinensis can be labeled as 'tea'. Herbal infusions like chamomile, peppermint, or hibiscus, despite their popularity and similar consumption methods, must be labeled distinctly to avoid misleading consumers about their origin and composition. This move highlights the FSSAI's proactive role in enforcing labeling standards and protecting consumer interests.

Practice Questions (MCQs)

1. With reference to the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), consider the following statements: 1. FSSAI is a statutory body established under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. 2. It functions under the administrative control of the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution. 3. Its mandate includes laying down science-based standards for food articles and regulating their manufacture, storage, distribution, sale, and import. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  • A.1 only
  • B.1 and 2 only
  • C.1 and 3 only
  • D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer

Answer: C

Statement 1 is correct: FSSAI is indeed a statutory body established under the FSS Act, 2006. Statement 3 is correct: Its mandate covers the entire food chain from standards to regulation to ensure safe food. Statement 2 is incorrect: FSSAI functions under the administrative control of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, not the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution. This is a common point of confusion.

2. In the context of food labeling and consumer protection in India, consider the following statements: 1. The recent FSSAI directive mandates that only products derived from the Camellia sinensis plant can be labeled as 'tea'. 2. Herbal infusions like chamomile or peppermint are now prohibited from being sold in India due to misleading labeling. 3. The Consumer Protection Act, 2019, provides for a Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) to regulate matters relating to violation of consumer rights, unfair trade practices, and false or misleading advertisements. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  • A.1 only
  • B.1 and 2 only
  • C.1 and 3 only
  • D.2 and 3 only
Show Answer

Answer: C

Statement 1 is correct: The FSSAI directive explicitly states that only products from Camellia sinensis qualify as 'tea'. Statement 2 is incorrect: The directive does not prohibit the sale of herbal infusions; it only mandates that they be labeled appropriately and not as 'tea'. Statement 3 is correct: The Consumer Protection Act, 2019, indeed established the CCPA with powers to address unfair trade practices and misleading advertisements, which directly relates to accurate product labeling.

3. Which of the following statements correctly describes the term 'Geographical Indication (GI)' in the context of agricultural products like 'Darjeeling Tea'?

  • A.It is a certification that a product meets certain quality standards set by the government.
  • B.It is a sign used on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation due to that origin.
  • C.It is a patent granted for a unique method of cultivation or processing of an agricultural product.
  • D.It denotes that a product is organically produced without the use of synthetic pesticides or fertilizers.
Show Answer

Answer: B

Option B correctly defines a Geographical Indication (GI). A GI is a name or sign used on certain products which corresponds to a specific geographical location or origin (e.g., a town, region, or country). The use of a GI may act as a certification that the product possesses certain qualities, is made according to certain methods, or enjoys a certain reputation, due to its geographical origin. Darjeeling Tea is a prime example of a GI product. Option A describes a quality certification, not a GI. Option C describes a patent. Option D describes organic certification.

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