The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has taken a strict stance on the misuse of the word 'tea'. The authority has clarified that only products derived from the Camellia sinensis plant will be called tea. Furthermore, selling any other plant-based or herbal beverage under the name 'tea' is misleading. This falls under the category of misbranding according to the law.
Crackdown On Misleading Labels Like 'Herbal Tea'
The authority stated in a letter that it had come to its notice that some food business operators were marketing products under names such as 'Rooibos Tea', 'Herbal Tea', and 'Flower Tea', which are not derived from the Camellia sinensis plant. It has also been stated that the front of every food packet must display the name of the food item it contains.
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Strict Monitoring And Action Against Violations
The authority has instructed Food Safety Commissioners and Regional Directors to monitor compliance with this order in their respective areas. Action will be taken if a violation of the order is found. Assistant Commissioner of Food Safety, Dr Sudhir Kumar Singh, stated that instructions have been received from the authority. An investigation will be conducted, and action will be taken against those who violate the rules.
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