PepsiCo Mismarketing High-Caffeine Drinks as Energy Drinks to Deceive Consumers: FSSAI

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has claimed in court that PepsiCo is deliberately marketing its high-caffeine beverages as 'energy drinks'. According to a report by Business Standard, the FSSAI alleged that the company is employing this strategy to deceive consumers.

Meanwhile, major action was taken during the strict enforcement of food safety norms in the Nizamabad district of Telangana. As per a report by The Hindu, the Telangana State Authority for Food and Essential Drugs (TG SAFE) conducted inspections on November 3, 2026. Following the discovery of serious violations, 4 food establishments were ordered to close, and the FSSAI licenses of another 13 establishments were suspended.

For this operation, 14 teams comprising food safety officers and police personnel were formed, who inspected 28 establishments and restaurants producing spices, packaged drinking water, sweets, and other food products. During the inspection, officials found numerous deficiencies, including unsanitary kitchens, infestations of cockroaches and flies, raw materials contaminated by pests, rotten vegetables, and expired food ingredients.

Investigations revealed that some establishments were using newspapers to cover food, and employees preparing food items were working without hairnets or gloves. Additionally, rat droppings, damaged flooring, stagnant water, greasy exhaust systems, and unlabeled semi-finished food stored in refrigerators were found. Many establishments also lacked pest control documentation and health records of their employees.

Under this drive, 26 samples were collected on suspicion of adulteration. A total of 9,645 kg of food materials, valued at ₹17.28 lakh, were seized or destroyed for violating food safety regulations. Due to the lack of valid FSSAI licenses, Maharaja Sweet and Bakes, Panchvati Sweets in Nizamabad, Shiv Shakti Ice Cream in Dubba, and Sagar Bakery in Autonagar were ordered to shut down.

In the interest of public health, the licenses of 13 establishments have been suspended with instructions to cease business immediately. This list includes L.P. Products, Zunaira Family Restaurant, Chhappan Bhog Sweets, Hotel Qureshia, Water Solution Company, Janta Traders, Ira Foods and Beverages, Sukhjit Starch Mills, Shri Ayyappa Traders, Radhe Mithai Vatika, Shri Radhe Enterprises, Mogh Foods Private Limited, and Quality Sweets and Chikki (KK Sweets). Furthermore, show-cause notices have been issued to 12 establishments for serious violations, and TG SAFE stated that further action, including fines, will be taken based on the investigation.