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Red Bull Wins Delhi HC Battle: Can Still Use 'Energy Drink' Label in India, For Now
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News18•30-09-2026, 13:14
Red Bull Wins Delhi HC Battle: Can Still Use 'Energy Drink' Label in India, For Now
- •The Delhi High Court set aside FSSAI's order prohibiting Red Bull from using the "energy drink" descriptor, allowing the company to continue using it temporarily.
- •FSSAI had challenged the term, arguing it could mislead consumers about special energy or health benefits, preferring the regulatory category "caffeinated beverages."
- •Red Bull successfully argued that FSSAI's directive was issued without prior notice or an opportunity for the company to present its case.
- •The court's decision is based on due process, not an official recognition of "energy drink" as a food category or an endorsement of its health claims.
- •FSSAI retains the right to reinitiate the process by issuing a fresh show-cause notice and making a new decision after hearing Red Bull.
Key Questions Answered
The Delhi High Court set aside the FSSAI directive because the food safety regulator imposed the restriction without providing Red Bull with a prior show-cause notice or an opportunity to present its case.
Under FSSAI standards, carbonated and non-carbonated caffeinated beverages are permitted to contain between 145 mg and 300 mg of total caffeine per litre, alongside required consumer warnings against consuming more than 500 ml per day.
Yes, while the current prohibitory order has been set aside, the court left the door open for FSSAI to start the process over by issuing a show-cause notice, hearing the company, and making a fresh decision.
