FDA Cracks Down on ‘Energy Drink’ Label Claims; Notices Issued to Major Beverage Companies
Mumbai, 4th July 2026 : The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has initiated action against several beverage manufacturers over the use of the term “Energy Drink” on product labels, stating that the description has no legal recognition under existing food safety regulations.
Speaking at a press conference, FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe said notices were issued on June 30 to 10–12 companies, including PepsiCo, Red Bull, and Sting, directing them not to market their products as “Energy Drinks.”
The action is part of the state’s “Save Drug, Save Food” campaign aimed at strengthening food safety enforcement across Maharashtra.
According to Mundhe, the Food Safety and Standards regulations do not recognise “Energy Drink” as a separate food category. He explained that Annexure-A of the relevant food regulations classifies different categories of food products, but does not include any category called “Energy Drink.” As a result, companies cannot legally use the term on product packaging.
“The companies selling these so-called energy drinks cannot write ‘Energy Drink’ on their products. Notices have already been issued, and further action will follow as per law,” Mundhe said.
New Rules Near Schools
The FDA also announced that fresh guidelines governing the sale of certain food and beverage products within 500 metres of educational institutions will be issued soon. The move is intended to safeguard students’ health by regulating the availability and promotion of such products around schools and colleges.
Issue Raised in Maharashtra Legislature
The issue also figured in the Maharashtra Legislature after legislators raised concerns over the health impact of excessive consumption of caffeinated beverages. MLAs Vikram Pachpute and Rahul Kul sought clarification from the government following reports linking the overconsumption of a popular beverage to the death of a child in Ahilyanagar district.
Responding in the Assembly, Minister Narhari Zirwal stated that the government had not received any official confirmation of such an incident. He added that directions had already been issued in October 2024 and January 2025 to inspect establishments selling such beverages near educational institutions, collect product samples, and take action against misleading advertisements.
The FDA’s latest move signals stricter enforcement of food labelling norms in Maharashtra and is expected to impact how beverage companies market their products in the state.
