Delhi High Court Sets Aside FSSAI Order Directing Red Bull to Stop Using 'Energy Drink' Descriptor

The Delhi High Court set aside an FSSAI order directing Red Bull to discontinue the descriptor 'Energy Drink' for its caffeinated beverages.

What happened

The Delhi High Court set aside an FSSAI order directing Red Bull to discontinue the descriptor 'Energy Drink' for its caffeinated beverages. The Court found that the regulator had acted without first giving the company an adequate opportunity to respond. The ruling follows the procedural concern flagged at the earlier hearing and rests on natural justice rather than a final judicial declaration that the descriptor is substantively lawful in every circumstance. FSSAI remains free to proceed afresh in accordance with law after following fair procedure. The decision underscores that food-safety regulation, even when pursued in the public interest, must comply with basic hearing requirements.

Legal significance

The legal effect is confined to the present judgment, order or procedural development. Party allegations and submissions are not treated as established facts.

Practical consequence

The matter proceeds according to the operative direction, statutory process or next hearing described above.

Source: Original report