### FSSAI's New Directive: Defining 'Tea' and Curbing Mislabeling Practices The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has recently issued a directive that strictly defines what can be labeled as "tea." This clarification is aimed at preventing the mislabeling of herbal infusions and plant-based blends as tea, which has been a common practice among food businesses. The FSSAI states that only products derived from the Camellia sinensis plant can be marketed as tea, thereby addressing consumer confusion and ensuring compliance with food safety regulations. This move is significant as it seeks to protect consumers from misleading claims and uphold the integrity of tea as a product category in India [https://fooddrinkinnovations.com/technology-and-innovations/food-safety-regulations/fssai-advises-food-businesses-to-refrain-from-labeling-herbal-infusions-as-tea]. ### Breakdown of FSSAI's Directive and Its Implications 1. **Definition of Tea**: The FSSAI has clarified that the term "tea" is exclusively reserved for beverages made from the Camellia sinensis plant. This includes varieties such as green tea, black tea, and oolong tea [https://www.ahmedabadmirror.com/what-can-officially-be-called-tea-fssai-defines/81905153.html]. 2. **Prohibition of Misleading Labels**: Herbal infusions, flower teas, and other plant-based beverages cannot use the term "tea." This prohibition aims to eliminate consumer deception and ensure that product labeling accurately reflects the contents [https://www.storyboard18.com/advertising/no-more-herbal-tea-fssai-warns-brands-against-misleading-beverage-names-86575.htm]. 3. **Regulatory Enforcement**: The FSSAI has warned food business operators that using the term "tea" for non-Camellia sinensis products constitutes misbranding, which could lead to enforcement actions under food safety laws [https://marketingmind.in/fssai-warns-food-businesses-against-labeling-herbal-infusions-as-tea]. 4. **Consumer Awareness**: This directive is also intended to enhance consumer awareness, allowing individuals to make informed choices about the beverages they purchase. The FSSAI emphasizes the importance of clear labeling to help consumers distinguish between true tea and herbal alternatives [https://www.timesnownews.com/health/why-fssai-says-only-camellia-sinensis-is-real-teaand-what-it-means-for-green-herbal-teas-article-153347785]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Consumer Confusion**: Surveys indicate that a significant portion of consumers are unaware of the differences between herbal infusions and true tea, leading to potential misinformed purchasing decisions [https://moneycontrol.com/news/india/herbal-tea-flower-tea-labels-misleading-fssai-cracks-down-on-misuse-of-tea-term-13742453.html]. - **Market Impact**: The FSSAI's directive is expected to impact numerous brands that have been labeling their herbal products as tea, necessitating a rebranding effort to comply with the new regulations [https://snackfax.com/business/fssai-bars-herbal-infusions-from-using-tea-label-orders-rebranding-across-india]. ### Conclusion: Implications of FSSAI's Directive on Tea Labeling In summary, the FSSAI's recent clarification on the definition of tea has significant implications for the food and beverage industry in India. 1. **Strict Definition**: Only products derived from Camellia sinensis can be labeled as tea, which aims to standardize product labeling and prevent consumer deception. 2. **Regulatory Compliance**: Food businesses must adhere to these new labeling regulations to avoid misbranding penalties. 3. **Consumer Protection**: This initiative enhances consumer awareness and ensures that individuals can make informed choices regarding their beverage options. The FSSAI's directive is a crucial step towards maintaining the integrity of tea as a product category and protecting consumers from misleading marketing practices [https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/companies/fssai-says-herbal-or-plant-based-infusions-cannot-be-labeled-as-tea/article70436353.ece].