Delhi HC Lets PepsiCo, Monster Sell Existing 'Energy Drink' Stocks, Bars Fresh Production
What Happened
The Delhi High Court allowed PepsiCo and Monster Beverage to sell their existing inventory labelled as "energy drinks" but restrained them from manufacturing new products with that descriptor. The court also stayed coercive action by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), which had ordered companies to drop the "energy drink" label and seize such products. The interim relief will remain in force until the next hearing on November 5.
Key Takeaways
The ruling provides temporary relief to beverage makers facing regulatory action over the use of the "energy drink" label, while the broader legal battle over FSSAI's classification and labelling rules continues.