The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued a strict warning to food traders not to sell herbal infusions and plant blends as ‘tea’ if they are not derived from Camellia sinensis. The direction was issued on December 24 after FSSAI found that several food traders were marketing products like ‘rooibos tea’, ‘herbal tea’ and ‘flower tea’ as ‘tea’ even though these products do not come from the Camellia sinensis plant.
The word ‘tea’ can only be labeled on these products
As per FSSAI rules, the word ‘tea’ can be used only on products that are derived from Camellia sinensis, such as Kangra tea, green tea and instant tea. The authority clarified that it is wrong to designate all such herbal infusions and plant mixtures as ‘tea’ as they do not come from the actual source of tea. FSSAI, considering it a case of misleading and misbranding under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, has directed all food traders not to label any product, which is not derived from Camellia sinensis, as ‘tea’.
Strict instructions to follow food safety rules
The authority has given strict instructions to all traders involved in e-commerce, production, packing, marketing, import and sale to follow food safety rules. Additionally, state authorities have also been asked to ensure that online retailers also strictly follow these provisions. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India clarified behind this step that this rule has been taken with the aim of protecting consumers from confusion and providing them correct product information.
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