New Delhi, 25 December 2026, TeaLovers If you too are drinking ‘cha’ in the name of herbal tea or flavored tea, then this news is for you. Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued very strict and clear guidelines regarding the use of the word ‘Tea’. From now on, only those products can be called ‘tea’ which are made from the plant Camellia sinensis.
FSSAI has clarified that using the word ‘cha’ for products like herbal tea, rooibos tea and flavored tea sold in the market is tantamount to misleading the consumers. Such drinks will now fall under ‘proprietary’ or ‘non-specific food’ rules.
According to the new rule, only that beverage will be considered tea which is made naturally from the leaves or buds of the Camellia sinensis plant. If a company sells a drink made from other plants or flowers, it will be considered mis-branding.
- It is mandatory to write real name on the packet.
FSSAI has ordered all manufacturers, sellers and e-commerce platforms to make it mandatory to mention the true and genuine name of the food item on the front of its packet. Now the word ‘टी’ will not be used incorrectly even on online shopping sites.
- Provision of jail and fine if you break the rules
It is mandatory for everyone to follow this order under the Food Security Act (FSS Act, 2006). State food safety officers have been instructed to strictly follow this order and inspect the packets sold in the market. If any company is found violating the rules, strict legal action will be taken against it.
Now as a consumer, whenever you buy a ‘Tea’ packet, you will be assured that it is actually tea and not just a herbal infusion. This decision will create awareness among the consumers and will put a stop to the fraud going on in the name of premium or health drinks.
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