The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has ordered a ban on the sale of select whisky and rum products manufactured by leading liquor companies after finding alleged violations of flavouring regulations.
The regulator said inspections and product analysis revealed that certain alcoholic beverages contained artificial or “nature-identical” flavouring intended to replicate the taste and aroma of the spirit itself. According to FSSAI, such practices do not comply with existing food safety standards governing alcoholic beverages in India.
Why the products were flagged
FSSAI said Indian regulations permit only approved natural flavouring substances in alcoholic beverages and do not recognise the addition of flavours such as whisky flavour to whisky or rum flavour to rum.
The regulator believes the practice could allow manufacturers to recreate the characteristics of aged spirits without depending solely on traditional maturation or natural ingredients such as malt, molasses or grapes. On this basis, the affected products have been classified as “sub-standard.”
Brands under the scanner
The order covers products manufactured at specific production units, including Royal Challenge Whisky and Antiquity Blue Whisky produced by United Spirits, Bagpiper Deluxe Whisky and Old Cask Deluxe XXX Rum manufactured by Inbrew Beverages, and three variants of Old Monk Rum produced by Mohan Rocky Springwater Breweries in Maharashtra.
Authorities have not yet clarified whether the restriction applies only to products made at the identified manufacturing facilities or to the brands nationwide.
Industry seeks clarity
According to a Reuters report, industry representatives maintain that the flavouring practices were believed to be in line with prevailing regulations and have raised concerns over the regulator’s interpretation of the rules. The companies are expected to seek further clarification on the scope of the order and the compliance requirements.
Part of wider enforcement drive
The latest action forms part of FSSAI’s broader efforts to strengthen regulatory compliance across the food and beverage industry. In recent months, the regulator has intensified inspections and taken action against products found to be violating prescribed standards, including restrictions on the marketing of certain high-caffeine beverages as “energy drinks.”
The decision is likely to have implications for manufacturers across the alcoholic beverage industry, particularly those using flavouring agents in the production of spirits.