FSSAI Defines 'Tea': Misleading Brands Face Action, Know Your Brew!

• FSSAI has issued a strict definition for 'tea', stating that only beverages made from the 'Camellia sinensis' plant can be labeled as such.
• Products like 'Rooibos tea', 'Herbal tea', and 'Flower tea' not derived from 'Camellia sinensis' cannot be sold as 'tea' and will be considered misbranded.
• The directive aims to prevent companies from misleading customers by selling non-tea products under the 'tea' label.
• Violation of these regulations falls under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and will lead to action against Food Business Operators (FBOs).
• FSSAI mandates all FBOs, including online and offline sellers, to comply, with state authorities ensuring strict enforcement.

Why It Matters: FSSAI clarifies 'tea' definition; only 'Camellia sinensis' products are real tea. Misbranding will lead to action.