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Herbal or plant-based infusions cannot be labelled as tea: FSSAI
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Monday, 29 December, 2025, 08 : 00 AM [IST]
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Our Bureau, New Delhi
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The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has clarified that herbal or plant-based infusions cannot be marketed or labelled as “tea”, reinforcing existing food safety and labelling regulations. The clarification aims to prevent consumer confusion and ensure accurate representation of products in the fast-growing wellness and beverage segment.
According to FSSAI, the term tea is legally defined under food regulations as a product derived exclusively from the leaves, buds or tender stems of the Camellia sinensis plant. Any beverage prepared from herbs, flowers, roots, spices, or other plant materials such as chamomile, hibiscus, tulsi, moringa, lemongrass or similar ingredients does not meet this definition and therefore cannot be labelled or sold as tea.
The food regulator has observed a surge in herbal and wellness beverages being promoted as “herbal tea” or “plant tea”, particularly in the health and lifestyle space. FSSAI has cautioned that such practices are misleading and non-compliant, as they blur the distinction between traditional tea and herbal infusions, which fall under a different product category.
FSSAI has directed food business operators (FBOs) to ensure that herbal and plant-based products are labelled appropriately as “herbal infusions,” “plant infusions,” or “herbal beverages”, in line with applicable standards. Claims, product descriptions and marketing communications must accurately reflect the nature and composition of the product.
The move is expected to bring greater transparency to the packaged beverage market while protecting consumer interests. Industry stakeholders have been advised to review their product labels, packaging, and promotional material to align with regulatory requirements and avoid potential enforcement action.
With the wellness beverage segment witnessing rapid growth, FSSAI’s clarification is seen as a timely intervention to standardise nomenclature, promote fair trade practices, and maintain regulatory discipline across the food and beverage ecosystem.
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