PepsiCo, Monster win relief in Delhi HC energy drink case

The Delhi High Court on Tuesday ordered no coercive action against PepsiCo and Monster Beverages, which have been directed by the FSSAI to drop the descriptor “energy drink” from its beverages.

The court allowed the two companies to sell their existing stocks of beverages labelled as “energy drink” but made it clear that they cannot manufacture any more products bearing the descriptor. “Your existing stocks will be sold,” Justice Amit Mahajan said while passing the order.

While PepsiCo manufactures Sting Energy and Adrenaline Rush, Monster Beverages sells its product under the name Monster Energy. PepsiCo and Monster approached the High Court challenging the orders passed by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) directing them to drop the label “energy drink”. The FSSAI has also directed food safety officers across India to seize the products.

The court said it is staying the FSSAI order to the extent that no coercive action will be taken against the companies.