FSSAI Bans 'Herbal Tea' Label: Only Camellia Sinensis is True Tea

• FSSAI prohibits using 'tea' for products not derived from the Camellia sinensis plant.
• Terms like 'herbal tea,' 'flower tea,' and 'rooibos tea' are now considered misleading and misbranding.
• Existing regulations define true tea (including green tea, instant tea, Kangra tea) exclusively from Camellia sinensis.
• Non-Camellia sinensis infusions must be marketed as proprietary foods or non-specified foods, not 'tea'.
• The directive applies to the entire value chain; violators will face enforcement action.

Why It Matters: FSSAI mandates that only Camellia sinensis products can be labeled 'tea,' ending misleading herbal beverage names.