FSSAI’s New Guidelines on Herbal Infusions: Clarifying What Constitutes Tea

Introduction

In a significant move aimed at protecting consumer rights, India’s food safety watchdog, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), has issued a directive that could reshape how herbal infusions are marketed. The new guidelines state that only infusions derived from the Camellia sinensis tree can be labeled as "tea."

What Are the New Regulations?

FSSAI has mandated that companies must discontinue calling herbal blends, such as rooibos or floral infusions, "tea." This directive is part of a broader effort to prevent misleading consumer labeling, which the authority considers a form of misbranding under the Food Safety and Standards Act of 2006.

Definition of Tea

According to FSSAI, under the Food Safety and Standards (Food Product Standards and Food Additives) Regulations of 2011, "tea" can only refer to products derived exclusively from Camellia sinensis. This includes varieties such as black tea, green tea, and instant teas.

Impacts on Brands and Marketplaces

Brands that market calming or detoxifying botanical blends will now face a rebranding challenge. Online platforms that offer such products will also need to navigate a large-scale relisting process to comply with the new guidelines.

Industry Response

Bidyananda Barkakoty, an adviser to the North Eastern Tea Association, expressed optimism regarding the clarification provided by FSSAI. He stated, "This definition of tea will remove a lot of ambiguity from consumers’ minds, helping to reduce clutter and confusion."

Global Recognition

It’s notable that even the U.S. Food and Drug Administration recognizes only tea derived from Camellia sinensis as a "healthy" beverage, further emphasizing the distinction between traditional tea and herbal infusions.

Conclusion

The FSSAI’s new guidelines aim to protect consumers and enhance clarity in the beverage market. By clearly defining what constitutes tea, the authority is taking a significant step toward more honest marketing practices.