FSSAI Enhances Regulations for Alcohol Labels on Flavoured Rum and Whisky
NEW DELHI: The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has taken enforcement action against several alcoholic beverage manufacturers, including Old Monk, McDowell’s, Bagpiper, Antiquity Blue, and Royal Challenge. The action follows allegations of non-permitted flavouring practices and misleading age-related claims, which violate food safety and labelling regulations.
FSSAI’s inspections and laboratory tests revealed that some manufacturers were adding artificial “rum flavour” to rum and “whisky flavour” to whisky. This practice undermines the natural development of taste and aroma through traditional methods such as fermentation, distillation, and maturation. The authority stated that these products should be labelled as “Rum-flavoured Spirit” or “Whisky-flavoured Spirit” to accurately represent their composition.
The regulator noted that some manufacturers mislead consumers by using external flavours that mimic the inherent characteristics of these beverages. This practice has emerged due to a reliance on neutral alcohol, which lacks specific flavour, instead of using base materials like molasses or malt. FSSAI described these products as sub-standard and emphasized that they misrepresent themselves by adopting names of standard categories without proper disclosure.
FSSAI’s laboratory reports classified several sampled products as “sub-standard,” indicating that the addition of artificial flavours masked their natural qualities. The authority pointed out that failing to disclose this information on product packaging violates the Food Safety and Standards (Labelling and Display) Regulations, 2020.
Additionally, the FSSAI flagged the “7 Years Old Blended” claim on an Old Monk XXX Rum variant as misleading. Investigations revealed that the product primarily contained unaged neutral spirit, with matured rum spirit making up less than 5% of the blend. According to regulations, the age statement must reflect the youngest spirit in the blend.
Based on these findings, FSSAI has prohibited the sale of specific products from Mohan Rocky Springwater, United Spirits, Inbrew Beverages, and Associated Alcohol & Breweries. The regulator also conducted inspections at Mandexi Distilleries & Breweries in Goa and issued notices to six other manufacturers in Maharashtra, with further actions anticipated.
FSSAI clarified that it is not banning the use of permitted flavouring substances like coffee or vanilla. The concern lies specifically with the addition of flavours identical to the alcoholic beverage itself, which misrepresents the product. The authority emphasized that its actions are not directed at the liquor industry as a whole, noting that many manufacturers comply with established standards. Conditional relief was granted to two manufacturers, allowing them to sell existing stock with clear disclosures on the front label while discontinuing the use of identical flavouring in future production.
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