The scientific Panel for Functional Foods, Nutraceuticals, Dietetic Products of Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) observed that Restless Energy Drink – manufactured by Pune based beverage contract manufacturing company Pushpam Foods and Beverages contains irrational combination of caffeine and ginseng, which have opposing effect on human body. Hence recommended rejection of product. Considering the recommendations of the panel FSSAI has directed the company to stop manufacturing / sale/ distribution of the above products with immediate effect.
In a letter dated June 11, 2015, the FSSAI directed to Pushpam Foods and Beverages to recall all existing products from the market under intimation to it. It also withdrew its No Objection Certificate (NOC) issued to the company dated May 30, 2013 for its brand. It may be noted that the company received the product approval or NOC from FSSAI for a period of one year which was expired on December 15, 2014.
It may be recalled that in the last one month the food regulator has directed four beverage companies to recall 11 of their energy drink brands. The companies include Akoaroma Co, Chennai; Monster Energy, Mumbai; Pushpam Foods and Beverages, Pune and Hector Beverages, Gurgaon. The FSSAI sent notices to the company to recall their energy drinks from the market, as the products have been declared unsafe for consumption.