The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has reportedly imposed an immediate ban on the sale of selected products from some popular whisky and rum brands in the country. According to a Reuters report, the action has been taken against certain alcoholic beverages manufactured by United Spirits, owned by Diageo India, Inbrew Beverages and Mohan Rocky Springwater. The regulatory investigation reportedly found that artificial flavours were being added to products that are expected to derive their natural taste through ingredients and the ageing process.
Tests conducted by FSSAI reportedly found that some companies were adding artificial “rum flavour” to rum and “whisky flavour” to whisky. FSSAI has clarified that there is no internationally recognised liquor-making process that permits the addition of artificial rum flavouring to rum. Such practices are considered a violation of prescribed product standards, according to reports.
The action reportedly affects United Spirits products such as Antiquity Blue Whisky and Royal Challenge Whisky in Madhya Pradesh. Sales of Inbrew Beverages’ Bagpiper Deluxe Whisky and Old Cask Deluxe XXX Rum in the state have also reportedly been stopped. The FSSAI action against these well-known products has triggered significant discussion in the alcoholic beverages industry.
