Red Bull moves Delhi HC against ban on ‘energy drink’ descriptor

Red Bull India has reportedly argued that the sudden removal of the descriptor has created regulatory uncertainty and could impact its existing and planned investments in the country

by e4m Staff
Published: Sep 28, 2026 7:44 PM | 2 min read

Red Bull has filed a challenge in the Delhi High Court against the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSAI) for prohibiting the use of the term "energy drink" for high-caffeine beverages, claiming the decision was made without due process.
The company argues that the sudden removal of the descriptor has created regulatory uncertainty, potentially impacting its existing and future investments in India.
This legal action follows a broader enforcement initiative by Indian regulators, which has included directing manufacturers like Red Bull, PepsiCo, and Monster to stop using the "energy drink" label.
Red Bull contends that the term is globally recognized and that the prohibition lacks justification, asserting it contradicts the Indian government's goals of promoting investment and facilitating international trade.

Austrian beverage major Red Bull has challenged Indian food regulator Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSAI) decision to prohibit the use of the term “energy drink” for high-caffeine beverages, according to media reports.

The company has moved the Delhi High Court, alleging that the restriction was imposed without following due process, including the issuance of a prior notice.

Red Bull India has argued that the sudden removal of the descriptor has created regulatory uncertainty and could impact its existing and planned investments in the country.

The move comes amid a heightened food-safety enforcement drive in India, with regulators conducting inspections and scrutinising compliance across several major consumer brands.

In June, authorities directed manufacturers of high-caffeine beverages sold as “energy drinks” to stop using the descriptor, despite representations from companies including Red Bull, PepsiCo and Monster.

According to media reports, Red Bull told the Delhi High Court on September 25 that the term “energy drink” is globally recognised and that there had been no corresponding change in the underlying product standard to warrant its prohibition.

The company has termed the move an “abrupt prohibition”, arguing that it adversely affects its business operations and investments. It has also contended that the action runs counter to the government’s stated objective of promoting investment, facilitating international trade and providing greater certainty to businesses.

Red Bull has claimed that the regulatory action has effectively brought its business in India to a standstill.