What Qualifies as ‘Tea’? FSSAI Clarifies

In News : What Qualifies as ‘Tea’? FSSAI Clarifies

Analysis:

1. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) issued a clarification on 24 December 2025, stating that a beverage qualifies as tea only if it is derived from the plant Camellia sinensis.
2. Beverages such as Rooibos Tea, Herbal Tea, and Flower Tea cannot be marketed under the name “tea” if they are not from Camellia sinensis.
3. Tea in India is traditionally processed from leaves and buds plucked from Camellia sinensis across plantations.
4. The FSSAI cited relevant regulations:
   • Food Product Standards and Food Additives Regulations, 2011 (2.10.1) – tea in solid form shall be exclusively from Camellia sinensis.
   • Labelling and Display Regulations, 2020 (Regulation 5, Subregulation 1) – packaging must indicate the true nature of the food.
5. Mislabeling plant-based or herbal infusions as “tea” is considered misbranding under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
6. FBOs (including e-commerce platforms) engaged in manufacturing, packing, marketing, import, or sale of such beverages must comply with FSSAI regulations and refrain from using the term “tea” incorrectly.
7. The FSSAI has requested State Commissioners of Food Safety and Regional Directors to enforce the proper definition of tea.
8. Industry feedback: Tea associations welcomed the clarification, noting that it removes consumer confusion and aligns with international standards, including the US FDA, which recognises tea only from Camellia sinensis.

Static / Contextual Part:1. Legal & Administrative Framework

• Established under: Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 (FSS Act, 2006)
• Replaced/Consolidated:
  • Prevention of Food Adulteration Act, 1954 (PFA)
  • Fruit Products Order, 1955
  • Meat Food Products Order, 1973
  • Vegetable Oil Products (Control) Order, 1947
  • Edible Oils Packaging (Regulation) Order, 1998
  • Milk & Milk Products Order, 1992
  • Other scattered food safety regulations under various ministries
• Parent Ministry: Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (MoHFW)
• Headquarters: New Delhi, with regional offices nationwide
• Nature: Quasi‑statutory regulatory authority responsible for food safety, standardization, monitoring, and enforcement

2. Current Leadership

3. Key Highlights on Tea Regulation

• Definition: Tea must be derived from Camellia sinensis
• Excluded Beverages: Herbal, flower, and Rooibos infusions not from Camellia sinensis
• Objective: Ensure accurate labelling, prevent misbranding, and maintain consumer trust

Updated - 25 December 2025; 1:05 PM IST | News Source: The Hindu