Health and Me

Rachel V Thomas

FSSAI Targets 6 Energy Drink Brands; Experts Link Them to Obesity, Liver Problems

India's food regulator, FSSAI, has issued notices to six beverage brands, including Red Bull and PepsiCo India, for claiming to be "energy drinks," citing misbranding and misleading claims.

<ul><li>Red Bull Energy Drink</li><li>PepsiCo – Adrenaline Rush Energy Drink</li><li>Reliance Consumer Products – Campa Energy Gold Boost</li><li>Sting Energy Drink</li><li>Hell Energy</li><li>Coca-Cola-backed Monster</li></ul>

The FSSAI, in a post on social media platform X, noted that it has not notified any standard for "energy drink" or similar products.

The regulator stated that these brands have "marketed using descriptors such as 'energy drink' on product branding and labelling."

The FSSAI further said that the Food Category System under the FSS Regulations is not intended for product naming or labelling purposes.

"Functional or therapeutic claims, including but not limited to 'vitalizes body and mind', 'enhancing focus', 'boost energy levels', 'aid in general weakness', or similar conditions, are not permissible for food products under the FSS Act 2006 and the Rules and Regulations made thereunder," the regulator said.

Recently, Maharashtra State FDA Minister Narhari Zirwal told the Assembly that the state is set to ban the sale of Sting energy drink within 500 meters of schools.

Energy drinks have become a fad among the youth population and are linked to rising fitness awareness. According to the IMARC Group, India's energy drinks market was valued at $1.5 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach $2.9 billion by 2034.

However, Dr. Sudhir Kumar, neurologist at Apollo Hospitals, Hyderabad, said energy drinks may not actually provide "energy."

Rather, they are loaded with "caffeine, sugar and stimulants" that may not be healthy and are "not necessary for exercise, gym workouts or sports."

"Some studies suggest caffeine can improve alertness and endurance in certain athletes. But that doesn't mean everyone who goes to the gym or for a morning run needs an energy drink. Most recreational exercisers do not need energy drinks," said the noted neurologist known popularly as Hyderabad doctor.

He noted that for people working out for less than an hour: "Water is usually enough".

"If you need extra fuel, ordinary carbohydrate-rich foods, such as a banana, fruit, dates or a simple meal, are often safer and cheaper than an energy drink".

Dr Sudhir also noted the downsides of energy drinks many of which contain large amounts of added sugar, high doses of caffeine and multiple stimulants whose combined effects are not always well studied.

He liked excess intake of energy drinks with:

<ul><li>Weight gain</li><li>Obesity</li><li>Type 2 diabetes (especially sugar-sweetened drinks)</li><li>High blood pressure</li><li>Sleep disturbance</li><li>Anxiety and palpitations</li><li>Dangerous heart rhythm problems."</li></ul>

Over the past few years, there has been a significant increase in young patients presenting with liver dysfunction. Energy drinks may be one of the culprit, according to Dr. Abhideep Chaudhary, President of the Liver Transplantation Society of India (LTSI) and Chairman and Head, Department of HPB and Liver Transplantation, BLK-Max Hospital, New Delhi.

"Three major contributors stand out — energy drinks, alcohol, and high-sugar beverages. Energy drinks, often perceived as harmless, contain high levels of caffeine, sugar, and chemical additives that place immense stress on the liver," the doctor said.

Dr. Sudhir suggested people should avoid or strictly limit energy drinks if they are:

<ul><li>Children and adolescents</li><li>Pregnant or breastfeeding women</li><li>People with heart disease</li><li>People with hypertension</li><li>People with anxiety disorders</li><li>People with sleep problems.</li></ul>

Health Conditions A-Z

health

fssai-targets-6-energy-drink-brands-experts-link-them-to-obesity-liver-problems

FSSAI

Obesity

Liver Problems

Red Bull Energy Drink

PepsiCo

Adrenaline Rush Energy Drink

Sting Energy Drink

Campa Energy Gold Boost

Hell Energy

Coca Cola

norovirus-hits-princess-cruise-ship-us-cdc-reports-5th-stomach-bug-outbreak-of-2026

Norovirus Hits Princess Cruise Ship; US CDC Reports 5th Stomach Bug Outbreak of 2026

australia-reports-more-suspected-h5-bird-flu-cases-does-it-have-pandemic-potential

Australia Reports More H5 Bird Flu Cases: Does It Have Pandemic Potential?

Nutrition

8 Sit-Up Variations to Strengthen Your Core and Build Stability

Benefits Of Ayurvedic Health Supplement Ashwagandha

9 Anti-Inflammatory Breakfast Options You Should Try

5 Foods You Should Avoid For PCOS, Says Gynecologist

Love Sitting With Your Legs Crossed? Here’s You Should Avoid It

6 Daily Foods That Are Secretly Increasing Your Calories

9 Brain Boosters You Should Do Everyday

Hip Exercises That Will Keep You Flexible As You Age

9 Leg Exercises Office Workers’ Should Do At Home

Benefits of Having Herbal Tea Every Morning

9 Daily Habits That Boost Your Brain Power

Lower-Body Exercises That Are Game-Changers

How Drinking Apple Cider Vinegar Helps You

Aging Myths You Should Never Believe

Superfoods That Support Your Gut Health

What Happens To Your Body When You Eat Instant Noodles Every Day?

Health Issues Premature Babies Often Face

Exercises Office Workers Should Do For Their Heart Health

Reasons Why You Should Add Raw Turmeric To Your Diet

Benefits Of Drinking Milk At Night: Why You Should Do It

Food That Provides Vitamin B12 Naturally In Your Diet

Surprising Health Benefits Of Fenugreek Seeds

9 Superfoods You Should Eat For Your Brain Health

What Does Mental Health Support Look Like At Work?

Long Stretches You Should Do To Unwind From Your Day

Colon Cancer In Young Adults: Early Symptoms You Should Know

Health Benefits Of Eating Dry Fruits Everyday

Are You At Risk For Fried Rice Syndrome?

These Tests Reveal How Well You Are Aging

Lower-Back Exercises You Should Do After A Long-Day's Work

Children’s Diet – What Kids Need To Eat For Immunity Building

Common Diabetes Myths That Could Hurt Your Health

Love Spicy Food? Here’s How It Affects Your Health

Superfood List: Veggies And Fruits You Must Have For Immunity

Foods People With IBS Should Avoid

Exercises To Improve Digestion

Easy Work Lunches You Can Make In The Morning

Hunger Vs Craving: Difference Explained In 60 seconds

These Things Can Cause Your Heart To Age Faster

High Carb Foods That Are Actually Healthy

India's food regulator, FSSAI, has issued notices to six beverage brands, including Red Bull and PepsiCo India, for claiming to be "energy drinks," citing misbranding and misleading claims.The brands include:Red Bull Energy DrinkPepsiCo – Adrenaline Rush Energy DrinkReliance Consumer Products – Campa Energy Gold BoostSting Energy DrinkHell EnergyCoca-Cola-backed MonsterWhy FSSAI Issued NoticesThe FSSAI, in a post on social media platform X, noted that it has not notified any standard for "energy drink" or similar products.The regulator stated that these brands have "marketed using descriptors such as 'energy drink' on product branding and labelling."The FSSAI further said that the Food Category System under the FSS Regulations is not intended for product naming or labelling purposes."Functional or therapeutic claims, including but not limited to 'vitalizes body and mind', 'enhancing focus', 'boost energy levels', 'aid in general weakness', or similar conditions, are not permissible for food products under the FSS Act 2006 and the Rules and Regulations made thereunder," the regulator said.Recently, Maharashtra State FDA Minister Narhari Zirwal told the Assembly that the state is set to ban the sale of Sting energy drink within 500 meters of schools.Are Energy Drinks Healthy?Energy drinks have become a fad among the youth population and are linked to rising fitness awareness. According to the IMARC Group, India's energy drinks market was valued at $1.5 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach $2.9 billion by 2034.However, Dr. Sudhir Kumar, neurologist at Apollo Hospitals, Hyderabad, said energy drinks may not actually provide "energy."Rather, they are loaded with "caffeine, sugar and stimulants" that may not be healthy and are "not necessary for exercise, gym workouts or sports.""Some studies suggest caffeine can improve alertness and endurance in certain athletes. But that doesn't mean everyone who goes to the gym or for a morning run needs an energy drink. Most recreational exercisers do not need energy drinks," said the noted neurologist known popularly as Hyderabad doctor.He noted that for people working out for less than an hour: "Water is usually enough"."If you need extra fuel, ordinary carbohydrate-rich foods, such as a banana, fruit, dates or a simple meal, are often safer and cheaper than an energy drink".Health Risks Of Energy DrinksDr Sudhir also noted the downsides of energy drinks many of which contain large amounts of added sugar, high doses of caffeine and multiple stimulants whose combined effects are not always well studied.He liked excess intake of energy drinks with:Weight gainObesityType 2 diabetes (especially sugar-sweetened drinks)High blood pressureSleep disturbanceAnxiety and palpitationsDangerous heart rhythm problems."Over the past few years, there has been a significant increase in young patients presenting with liver dysfunction. Energy drinks may be one of the culprit, according to Dr. Abhideep Chaudhary, President of the Liver Transplantation Society of India (LTSI) and Chairman and Head, Department of HPB and Liver Transplantation, BLK-Max Hospital, New Delhi."Three major contributors stand out — energy drinks, alcohol, and high-sugar beverages. Energy drinks, often perceived as harmless, contain high levels of caffeine, sugar, and chemical additives that place immense stress on the liver," the doctor said.Who Should Avoid Energy Drinks?Dr. Sudhir suggested people should avoid or strictly limit energy drinks if they are:Children and adolescentsPregnant or breastfeeding womenPeople with heart diseasePeople with hypertensionPeople with anxiety disordersPeople with sleep problems.

fssai targets 6 energy drink brands; experts link them to obesity, liver problems

About Us

Contact Us

Terms & Conditions

Privacy Policy

Company

Health and Me is a premium website with content written and curated to function as a handbook for all Health concerns.

FSSAI Targets 6 Energy Drink Brands; Experts Link Them to Obesity, Liver Problems

Cyclospora Parasite Spreads to More US States: Foods to Avoid Right Now

Eggs Vs Soybean: Which Is More Nutritious As Kolkata’s Midday Meal Scheme Goes Fully Vegetarian

US Gastroenterologist Shares 5 Hidden Causes Of Chronic Heartburn And Bloating

Health Conditions A-Z

Norovirus Hits Princess Cruise Ship; US CDC Reports 5th Stomach Bug Outbreak of 2026

FSSAI Targets 6 Energy Drink Brands; Experts Link Them to Obesity, Liver Problems

Australia Reports More H5 Bird Flu Cases: Does It Have Pandemic Potential?