Energy drinks are drinks without alcohol that claim to promote physical stimulation and endurance, as well as to heal fatigue and tiredness and FSSAI licence for energy drinks is mandatory. Many energy food products or drinks are available in the market, which includes food items, bars and other energy drinks whose marketing is designed to encourage consumers to stay energised.
FSSAI licence for energy drinks in India is required for people who want to work in the energy drink production industry. Most people today consume energy drinks on a regular basis as these beverages re-energise the body and reduce exhaustion, which is why energy drinks are becoming increasingly popular among young people mostly.
Why is FSSAI Licence for Energy Drinks in India Compulsory?
The significance of obtaining an FSSAI Licence for energy drinks in India can be understood by several factors, including:
Impact on Health and Wellness
The excessive consumption of energy drinks has been linked to substantial health risks, particularly including renal damage and an increase in blood pressure, which makes it necessary to be regulated by the food authority in the country.
Ensuring Compliance and Safety
In light of the health concerns and FSSAI’s regulatory framework, securing an FSSAI Licence for energy drink production becomes paramount. This licence signifies that the energy drink company is committed to adhering to safety standards and ensuring compliance with the recommended guidelines.
Protecting Consumers
Obtaining an FSSAI Licence demonstrates the commitment of energy drink manufacturers to safeguarding the well-being of consumers. By adhering to FSSAI’s regulations, manufacturers can provide consumers with products that are safe for consumption and minimise potential health risks.
Legal Requirement
Following FSSAI’s regulations, obtaining the suitable FSSAI Licence or registration is obligatory for any enterprise engaged in energy drink production. This essential step guarantees the operation of the energy drink business within the legal structure and plays an important role in upholding the central integrity of India’s food and beverage industry.
FSSAI Standards for Energy Drinks/Caffeinated Beverages
FSSAI has undertaken a number of initiatives to regulate the production and consumption of caffeinated beverages in response to growing concerns about the elevated caffeine levels found in several popular energy drinks prevalent in the Indian market.
Categorising Caffeinated Beverages
To address the issue of caffeine concentration in non-alcoholic beverages, FSSAI has introduced categorisation based on caffeine content. Beverages that contain caffeine levels exceeding 145 mg per litre are now classified and labelled as caffeinated beverages. This categorisation provides clear information to consumers and helps them make informed choices regarding their beverage preferences.
Caffeine Limit
Recognising the potential health implications of excessive caffeine consumption, FSSAI has established a maximum permissible limit for caffeine content in caffeinated beverages. This limit has been set at 300 mg per litre. By imposing this restriction, FSSAI aims to manage and mitigate potential risks associated with excessive caffeine intake, especially considering the diverse demographic of energy drink consumers.
Additional Ingredient Limits
FSSAI guidelines extend beyond caffeine content to encompass other key ingredients. The permissible limits for certain additives are as follows:
• Sucralose: Manufacturers are directed not to exceed 300 ppm of sucralose in the beverages.
• Saccharin Sodium: The prescribed limit for saccharin sodium content is 100 ppm.
• Neotame: The maximum permissible limit for neotame, another artificial sweetener, is capped at 33 ppm.
• Methyl Ester: FSSAI has set the limit for methyl ester content at a maximum of 770 ppm. This ingredient control ensures that the overall composition of these beverages remains within safe and acceptable limits.
Food Supervisor Appointment for Energy Drinks
In line with FSSAI’s commitment to consumer safety, manufacturers of caffeinated beverages are mandated to appoint a qualified Food Supervisor. This individual is responsible for overseeing and verifying that the safety levels of the beverages comply with the established regulatory standards. The presence of a Food Supervisor adds an extra layer of quality control to the production process, ensuring that the final products meet the required safety criteria.
Audit and Hazard Analysis
FSSAI emphasises the importance of continuous evaluation and compliance assessment. As part of this approach, manufacturers are obligated to conduct regular audits and hazard analyses of their production processes. These periodic evaluations serve to monitor the beverages’ adherence to FSSAI standards and guidelines, ensuring that any potential deviations are promptly identified and rectified.
Declaration of Fruit Content
When energy drinks incorporate fruit-derived ingredients, transparency in labelling becomes important. Manufacturers are compelled to clearly declare the fruit content on the beverage labels. This disclosure serves multiple purposes i.e., it informs consumers about the composition of the beverage, establishes transparency in labelling practices and helps individuals make more informed decisions based on their dietary preferences and requirements.
FSSAI Licence for Energy Drinks in India: Packaging and Labelling Requirements
The packaging and labelling requirements necessary for FSSAI licence for energy drinks in India are as follows:
Colour and Pigment Limitation
According to IS: 9845 standards, the usage of colour or pigment should not exceed 60 mg/litre in energy drinks. For plastic bottles made of polycarbonate and PET (polyethylene terephthalate), such as 5-liter pack bottles, adherence to the Indian standard IS-9833 is necessary.
FSSAI Approval and Packaging Conformity
Prior to granting the FSSAI food licence, the FSSAI Department ensures that your food product complies with the packaging guidelines established by the FSSAI.
Caution Statement
Energy drink and caffeinated beverage manufacturers are mandated to include a caution statement on product labels. This written statement must affirm that the product is not suitable for consumption by or recommended for children below a specific age category and lactating or pregnant women.
Removal of Energy Tag
Energy drink manufacturers in India are required to remove the energy tag from their products. Furthermore, they must use caffeinated beverages to sell such products.
Limits on Vitamins and Amino Acids
FSSAI imposes a maximum of one level of Recommended Daily Allowance in servings on a daily basis for certain vitamins, including Vitamin B3, B6, B2, B12, as well as Vitamin B1. Defined limits for various amino acids like Inositol and Taurine are applicable for per day servings.
Labelling Requirements and Per Day Consumption
Labelling requirements for these products are established under FSSAI standards. Manufacturers must declare the per day consumable quantity, indicating the maximum number of caffeinated beverages that can be consumed within a day.
Special Labelling Provisions for Artificial Sweeteners
Products containing acesulfame, aspartame and other artificial sweeteners must adhere to the special labelling provisions outlined in Regulations 2.4.5 of the FSSAI (Packaging and Labelling) Regulations of 2011. Storage, packaging, selling or distribution of such products must align with these regulations.
Microbiological Levels Set for FSSAI Licence for Energy Drinks
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) places top importance on ensuring the safety and quality of consumable products, including energy drinks. To maintain consumer health and well-being, FSSAI has established specific microbiological levels that energy drinks must adhere to. These levels encompass important aspects that directly impact the composition and characteristics of these beverages, guaranteeing a wholesome and safe consumption experience.
Total Soluble Solids (m/m): The FSSAI sets a rigorous standard for the total soluble solids in energy drinks, mandating that they must not exceed 10.0%. Total soluble solids include various dissolved compounds within the drink, which contribute to its flavour, aroma and overall sensory profile. By imposing this limitation, FSSAI ensures that energy drinks maintain a balanced composition, promoting an optimal sensory experience without compromising safety.
Fruit Content (m/m): Recognising the popularity of fruit-infused energy drinks, FSSAI has established guidelines for fruit content to safeguard consumer interests. Specifically, the fruit content should not exceed 5% for lemon juice and 10% for other fruits. This provision ensures that the beverage retains its integrity as an energy drink while offering a pleasant and recognisable fruit flavour. By setting distinct limits for different fruits, FSSAI caters to the diversity of flavour profiles while preventing excessive fruit concentration that might compromise the overall nutritional composition.
Final Thoughts
The FSSAI licence for energy drinks in India assumes utmost significance due to a number of reasons. The World Health Organisation’s research highlights that surpassing caffeine limits in energy drinks can adversely affect individuals, leading to behavioural changes, palpitations and health issues.
FSSAI’s rigorous regulations, embedded in the Food Safety and Standards Regulation of 2011, necessitate compliance to ensure consumer safety. This licence showcases commitment to adhering to safety norms and mitigating potential health risks associated with excessive caffeine and additives. Moreover, it’s a legal mandate for energy drink manufacturers, contributing to the integrity of India’s food and beverage industry.
For more details on the FSSAI licence for energy drinks in India, connect with our experts at StartupFino.
