India regulator issues notices to six energy drink brands

India's food safety regulator has issued notices to six major beverage companies over alleged misbranding and misleading claims regarding products marketed as energy drinks. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) announced the action on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, targeting brands including Red Bull, PepsiCo India's Adrenaline Rush, Reliance Consumer Products' Campa Energy Drink, Sting Energy Drink, Hell Energy, and Coca-Cola-backed Monster Energy.

According to the regulator, it has not established any official standard for products labeled as "energy drinks." The FSSAI stated that the companies have marketed their beverages using this descriptor on product branding and labeling, which is not permissible. It clarified that the Food Category System under national regulations is meant for classification, not for naming or labeling products.

The notices also challenge specific functional or therapeutic claims made by these brands. In a social media post, the FSSAI said claims such as "vitalizes body and mind," "enhancing focus," "boost energy levels," or "aid in general weakness" are not allowed for food products under the Food Safety and Standards Act of 2006 and...