India Rejects Beverage Companies' Request to Extend Labeling Deadline

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has denied requests from global beverage companies to extend a 90-day deadline for removing energy drink labels from high-caffeine products. The regulator asserts that no Indian standards exist for energy drinks and that using the term breaches current regulations.

Companies including PepsiCo, Red Bull, Monster Beverage, and Reliance Consumer Products sought a one-year extension to clear millions of existing units. The FSSAI rejected the plea, arguing that current inventory can be sold within 60 to 90 days. The regulator further claimed that companies failed to provide necessary inventory data to ensure traceability.

The dispute has led to aggressive enforcement drives by state governments. Authorities in Rajasthan and the territory of Ladakh have seized thousands of bottles and cans, including Pepsi's Sting and Reliance's Campa Energy. In response, industry executives have approached Food Processing Minister Chirag Paswan to seek assistance with the labeling requirements and the ongoing seizures.