India’s Food Regulator Cracks Down On Herbal Tea Misbranding

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued a strong directive to food businesses, warning against the use of the word “tea” for herbal and plant-based infusions. The crackdown comes after the regulator found widespread misbranding of products such as “herbal tea,” “rooibos tea,” and “flower tea,” none of which are derived from Camellia sinensis.  

Key highlights from the announcement include  

• FSSAI clarified that under the Food Safety and Standards Act, only beverages made from Camellia sinensis qualify as tea.  
• Variants such as black tea, green tea, Kangra tea, and instant tea are permitted, but herbal infusions must be labeled as “tisanes” or “herbal infusions.”  
• The directive, issued on December 24, 2025, warns that misbranding herbal blends as tea misleads consumers and violates labeling laws.  
• Popular products marketed as chamomile tea, hibiscus tea, or peppermint tea will need to drop the “tea” suffix.  
• The move aligns India, the world’s second-largest tea producer, with strict botanical definitions recognized globally.  
• Industry stakeholders in the herbal wellness sector fear the directive could impact branding and consumer perception.  
• FSSAI emphasized that the crackdown is not against herbal products themselves but against misleading nomenclature.  
• The regulator aims to ensure transparency, protect consumer rights, and maintain the integrity of India’s tea industry.  

This decision reflects FSSAI’s broader push to tighten food labeling standards and curb misleading practices in the wellness and beverage market. While herbal infusions remain popular for their health benefits, the regulator insists they must be marketed truthfully to avoid confusion with traditional tea.  

As India continues to expand its global tea exports, the move is seen as a step toward safeguarding authenticity and reinforcing consumer trust. The herbal wellness industry, however, will need to adapt its branding strategies to comply with the new rules.  

Sources: The Hans India, Hindustan Times, Times of India, Business Today, India Today