The dispute over the use of the term “Energy Drink” on high-caffeine beverages has reached the Delhi High Court, with beverage giant Red Bull challenging action taken by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).
Red Bull approached the Delhi High Court on September 25, 2026, challenging an FSSAI direction dated June 30 that asked the company to discontinue the use of the “Energy Drink” descriptor on its caffeinated beverage products. The company argued that the decision was taken without giving it adequate notice or an opportunity to respond.
FSSAI Order Came Under Legal Challenge
The June 30 direction was followed by a July 17 communication to food safety authorities across states and Union Territories, asking them to take action against products considered non-compliant.
Red Bull claimed that the action had affected its business and alleged that its products were seized at several locations. The company also referred to its long-standing use of the “Energy Drink” descriptor in India, stating that it has marketed its products under the term since 2002.
The company also pointed to a March 2024 FSSAI advisory, which it said had permitted the expression for products falling under relevant categories of caffeinated beverages.
Delhi HC Sets Aside June 30 Order
On September 29, Justice Amit Mahajan of the Delhi High Court set aside the June 30 order. The court noted that Red Bull had not been given an opportunity to file a reply or explain its position before the direction was issued.
The court, however, did not rule on whether Red Bull can legally use the term “Energy Drink”. FSSAI has been allowed to reconsider the matter after issuing proper notice and giving the company an opportunity to be heard.
The ruling therefore leaves the larger labelling dispute open. FSSAI can take a fresh decision after following the required legal procedure, meaning the controversy over “Energy Drink” labelling in India is not over yet.
