The food regulator highlighted that only a select number of manufacturers are creating beverages primarily from neutral alcohol or extra neutral alcohol, which naturally lack the distinct flavour profile typical of standardised alcoholic products. To replicate these characteristics, they are introducing identical or artificial flavouring agents.
According to FSSAI, there is no globally accepted manufacturing practice that involves adding rum flavours to rum or whisky flavours to whisky for the purpose of achieving the defining sensory attributes of standardised alcoholic beverages. It reiterated that its standards aim to maintain the chemical integrity of these beverages, ensuring they authentically reflect their raw material origins. Food businesses are prohibited from using additives that could mislead consumers.
The regulator has banned the sale of alcoholic beverages produced by Mohan Rocky Springwater’s Khopoli unit, specifically the 3 Old Monk Rum variants — The Legend, Gold Reserve, and XXX Matured Rum. Additionally, the sale of McDowell’s No. 1 Rum from United Spirits’ Baramati facility is also prohibited.
This prohibition extends to Bagpiper Deluxe Whisky and Old Cask Deluxe XXX Rum produced by INBREW Beverages in Madhya Pradesh, along with Central Province Whisky and McDowell’s No. 1 Celebration Matured XXX Rum made by Associated Alcohol & Breweries in Madhya Pradesh. Furthermore, sales of Antiquity Blue Whisky and Royal Challenge Whisky from United Spirits in Madhya Pradesh have been banned by FSSAI.
In a separate inquiry, the regulator reported inspections and sampling at Mandexi Distilleries & Breweries in Goa. Notices have been sent to six other manufacturers in Maharashtra, with additional regulatory actions anticipated.
FSSAI emphasised that the current issue is not indicative of the entire alcoholic beverages sector, as many manufacturers continue to produce standardised products that comply fully with established standards. The regulator reiterated that its enforcement measures apply exclusively to those manufacturers whose products do not meet current regulations related to authenticity, labelling, and the use of flavouring agents.
