FSSAI warns food businesses against labeling herbal infusions as ‘tea’

The recent directive from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) clarifying that only beverages derived from the Camellia sinensis plant can be labeled as 'tea' is a crucial step in upholding food standards and protecting consumer interests in India. This move addresses a growing ambiguity in the market, where various herbal infusions have increasingly been marketed using the term 'tea', leading to potential confusion and misrepresentation.

**Background Context and What Happened:** India boasts a rich and ancient history with tea, deeply embedded in its cultural fabric. From the sprawling tea gardens of Assam and Darjeeling to the ubiquitous 'chai' stalls, tea is more than just a beverage; it's an institution. However, in recent decades, the global wellness trend has spurred a proliferation of herbal infusions, often marketed as 'herbal teas' or simply 'teas' (e.g., chamomile tea, peppermint tea, ginger tea). While these infusions offer various health benefits and are popular, their labeling often blurred the lines with traditional tea, which, by botanical definition, comes exclusively from the *Camellia sinensis* plant. This ambiguity created a need for regulatory clarity. FSSAI, the apex food regulator in India, stepped in to address this by issuing a clear warning, reiterating that the term 'tea' is legally reserved for products originating from *Camellia sinensis*, thus distinguishing it from herbal infusions.

**Key Stakeholders Involved:** Several key stakeholders are directly impacted by this FSSAI directive. Firstly, the **FSSAI** itself, as the primary regulatory body, is responsible for setting and enforcing food safety standards in India under the **Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006**. Its mandate is to ensure safe and wholesome food for consumption and to regulate the manufacture, storage, distribution, sale, and import of food articles. Secondly, **consumers** are perhaps the most important stakeholders, as the directive primarily aims to protect their right to accurate information and informed choice. Mislabeling can lead to consumers purchasing products under false pretenses, potentially affecting their health decisions or dietary preferences. Thirdly, **traditional tea manufacturers and the tea industry** stand to benefit from this clarification, as it safeguards the distinct identity and market position of genuine tea, preventing dilution by unrelated products. India is the second-largest producer of tea globally, and protecting this industry is vital. Lastly, **manufacturers of herbal infusions** are directly impacted, as they must now strictly adhere to the labeling guidelines, ensuring their products are not marketed as 'tea' but rather as 'herbal infusions' or other appropriate terms.

**Why This Matters for India:** This FSSAI warning holds significant implications for India. Economically, it helps protect India's indigenous tea industry, a vital agricultural sector that employs millions and is a significant foreign exchange earner. Maintaining the distinct identity of Indian tea (like Darjeeling Tea, which has a Geographical Indication tag) is crucial for its global reputation and market value. Socially, it empowers consumers by providing clear and unambiguous information, aligning with the principles of the **Consumer Protection Act, 2019**, which emphasizes consumer rights, including the right to be informed about the quality, quantity, potency, purity, standard, and price of goods. From a governance perspective, it demonstrates the FSSAI's proactive role in enforcing standards and adapting to evolving market trends, reinforcing the regulatory framework for food safety. The directive indirectly aligns with the **Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP)**, particularly **Article 47**, which mandates the State to raise the level of nutrition and the standard of living and to improve public health, as accurate food labeling contributes to better public health outcomes.

**Historical Context and Future Implications:** India's tryst with tea began in the colonial era, with the British establishing vast tea plantations in the 19th century. Post-independence, the industry flourished, becoming a cornerstone of the Indian economy. The evolution of food safety laws in India, culminating in the comprehensive FSS Act of 2006, reflects a growing commitment to consumer welfare. This FSSAI directive is a logical progression in this journey, adapting regulations to modern market complexities. Looking ahead, this move is likely to lead to stricter enforcement of labeling standards across the food industry. It might also spur manufacturers of herbal infusions to innovate in their branding and create clearer categories for their products, potentially leading to the development of specific standards for herbal infusions. Consumers can expect greater transparency, fostering trust in product labels. However, it could also lead to initial resistance from some businesses that might need to rebrand or adjust their marketing strategies. Ultimately, this clarification strengthens India's food safety ecosystem, ensuring authenticity and protecting both producers and consumers in a dynamic market environment.