In a directive issued on December 24, the food safety regulator said it had observed several FBOs marketing products such as “Rooibos Tea”, “Herbal Tea” and “Flower Tea”, even though these beverages are not obtained from Camellia sinensis. ADVERTISEMENTAccording to FSSAI regulations, only beverages made from this plant qualify to be sold as tea. “It has come to the notice of FSSAI that some Food Business Operators (FBOs) are marketing products that are not obtained from the plant Camellia sinensis under the name ‘Tea’, such as ‘Rooibos Tea’, ‘Herbal Tea’, ‘Flower Tea’, etc.,” the notification said. Citing standards specified under Regulation 2.10.1 of the Food Safety and Standards (Food Product Standards and Food Additives) Regulations, 2011, the authority clarified that tea, including Kangra tea, green tea and instant tea in solid form, must be derived exclusively from Camellia sinensis. “Such plant-based or herbal infusions or blends, which are not derived from Camellia sinensis, do not qualify to be named as tea,” the FSSAI said.

Source: The Telegraph December 25, 2025 10:41 UTC