Red Bull vs FSSAI: Why Red Bull Won
FSSAI told all brands to drop the term "Energy Drink" from cans. Reason? As per Indian food laws, there is no such category. It's officially just a "Caffeinated Beverage," and the word "energy" misleads buyers. Red Bull challenged it in the Delhi High Court. They've used this label in India since 2002, and India is a $1.6 billion market for energy drinks. Justice Amit Mahajan set aside the FSSAI order. The court said the regulator didn't issue a show-cause notice or give a hearing before the ban. That violates natural justice. Result: Red Bull can keep its "Energy Drink" label for now. But FSSAI can come back with a proper notice and hearing. So it's a temporary win. The real fight over the label is still pending. ~by Taniya Samanta BJMC, 1st Semester