FSSAI Issues Notices to Liquor Makers for Alleged Breach of Flavouring Rules

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has intensified action against several alcoholic beverage manufacturers, issuing notices for allegedly using added flavours that mimic the natural characteristics of standardised liquor products. The regulator said the move is aimed at ensuring compliance with the Food Safety and Standards (Alcoholic Beverages) Regulations, 2018, and strengthening consumer protection.

In a clarification issued on Sunday, FSSAI said there is no ban on the use of flavouring substances. However, manufacturers are not allowed to add flavours that replicate the inherent taste and aroma of the alcoholic beverage itself, such as rum flavour in rum or whisky flavour in whisky. According to the regulator, such practices violate regulations requiring these products to possess only their natural characteristic taste and aroma.

FSSAI named the Baramati plant of United Spirits Ltd, which manufactures McDowell's No. 1 Rum, and its Madhya Pradesh facility, which produces Antiquity Blue Whisky and Royal Challenge Whisky, among those issued notices. The regulator also identified Mohan Rocky Springwater, INBREW Beverages, and Associated Alcohol & Breweries. Inspections and sampling were also conducted at Mandexi Distilleries & Breweries in Goa.

The food safety authority further said notices have been issued to six other manufacturers in Maharashtra, with additional regulatory action expected.

According to FSSAI, the alleged violations include the prohibited use of added flavours, misleading age-related claims, and non-compliance with blend age disclosure requirements. The regulator said these standards apply to products such as rum, brandy, gin, whisky, wine, and beer.

The latest clarification follows FSSAI's announcement on July 10, when it first disclosed issuing notices to alcoholic beverage manufacturers without naming the companies. The regulator said the enforcement drive is intended to ensure truthful product representation, regulatory compliance, and greater consumer confidence in alcoholic beverages sold in India.