Amruthanjan Health Care Ltd v. Director (Regulatory Compliance)

O R D E R This writ petition has been filed for the following relief: "To issue a Writ of Certiorarified mandamus calling for the records in F.No.RCD-1500/6/2021-Regulatory FSSAI(E-1475] order dated 14.10.2025 passed by the 1st respondent and quash the same and consequently direct the 1st respondent to rightly classify the petitioner as the Sports / Energy Drink Manufacturer."

¶2The petitioner is a public limited company engaged in the manufacture and sale of fruit-based beverages under the brand name "Fruitnik", duly licensed by FSSAI as a Food Business Operator under Category 14. The product, launched in 2016 with added electrolytes and Vitamin C, was marketed as a ready-to-serve beverage. Upon issuance of certain directions by FSSAI (Central) in 2021 regarding the use of the term "ORS" and related claims, the petitioner had submitted detailed replies and, in compliance with subsequent General Order dated 14.07.2022, modified its packaging and labelling by removing references to "ORS" and repositioning the product as a sports/energy drink.

¶3Subsequently, pursuant to the General Order dated 14.10.2025, further action was initiated against certain entities, including the petitioner. Improvement Notice dated 04.11.2025 was issued alleging non-compliance and misleading labelling. On the same day, a Recall Order dated 04.11.2025 directing the petitioner to recall all stocks of the said product was issued. Challenging the Recall Order dated 04.11.2025, W.P.No.4126 of 2026 has been filed.

¶4Heard the learned counsel on both sides and perused the materials available on record.

¶5This writ petition has been filed challenging the internal circular dated 14.10.2025, in which certain companies were shown as non-compliant. Pursuant to the said circular, a notice dated 04.11.2025 was issued to the petitioner to which the petitioner has submitted detailed explanations on 06.11.2025 and 10.11.2025.

¶6In view of the same, the 3rd respondent is directed to consider the petitioner's explanation and pass appropriate orders on merits and in accordance with law as expeditiously as possible. Accordingly, this writ petition is disposed of. No costs. Consequently connected miscellaneous petitions are closed.

20.02.2026 Index : Yes/No Speaking Order : Yes / No srn To

¶1The Director (Regulatory Compliance) Food Safety and Standards Authority of India, Regulatory Compliance Divsion, FDA Bhawan, Kotla Road, New Delhi 110 002.

¶2The Commissioner, Food Safety and Drug Administration of Tamil Nadu, Chennai 600 006.

¶3The Designated Officer (Central Licensing – TN01), FSSAI, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, FSSAI Southern Region Office, Chennai 600 001.

¶4The Designated Officer, Tamil Nadu Food Safety and Admin Department, Second Floor Collectorate Campus, Tiruvallur District. oooWPoNo.46596oofo2025 oooP.T.oASHA,oJ, o oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooosrn W.P.No.46596oofo2025 and oW.M.P.Nos.51982,o51984oando51985oofo2025

20.02.2026

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS DATED : 20.02.2026 CORAM THE HONOURABLE Ms. JUSTICE P.T. ASHA W.P.No.46596 of 2025 and W.M.P.Nos.51982, 51984 and 51985 of 2025 M/s.Amruthanjan Health Care Ltd., Represented by its General Manager-Manufacturing, Mr.Nachiappan.C.T Survey No.160/1A, Aranvoyal Village, Thiruvallur Taluk, Tamil Nadu 602 205 ... Petitioner Vs. 1. Director (Regulatory Compliance) Food Safety and Standards Authority of India, Regulatory Compliance Divsion, FDA Bhawan, Kotla Road, New Delhi 110 002. 2. Commissioner, Food Safety and Drug Administration of Tamil Nadu, Chennai 600 006. 3. Designated Officer (Central Licensing – TN01), FSSAI, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, FSSAI Southern Region Office, Chennai 600 001. 4. Designated Officer, Tamil Nadu Food Safety and Admin Department, Second Floor Collectorate Campus, Tiruvallur District. ... Respondents PRAYER: Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India praying to issue a Writ of Certiorarified mandamus calling for the records in F.No.RCD-1500/6/2021-Regulatory FSSAI(E-1475] order dated 14.10.2025 passed by the 1st respondent and quash the same and consequently direct the 1st respondent to rightly classify the petitioner as the Sports / Energy Drink Manufacturer. For Petitioner : Mr.G.Kalyan Jbhabakh for M/s.Surana and Surana For Respondents-1 and 3: Mr.ARL.Sundaresan Additional Solicitor General of India assisted by Mr.K.R.Samratt, Senior Panel Counsel For Respondents 2 and 4 : Mr.P.Kumaresan, Additional Advocate General assisted by Mr.E.Sundaram, Government Advocate