FSSAI Action on Liquor Brands: Several well-known liquor brands, including Old Monk, McDowell's, Royal Challenge, Antiquity Blue and Bagpiper, are facing supply disruptions in parts of India after the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) initiated action over alleged violations related to flavouring and product labelling. The regulator's move has affected the availability of certain products in markets such as Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh.

Why Did FSSAI Take Action?

According to the regulator, the action was initiated after laboratory examinations and inspections found alleged non-compliance with the Food Safety and Standards (Alcoholic Beverages) Regulations, 2018.

The key issues highlighted include:

• Use of artificial flavouring to imitate the taste and aroma of aged rum and whisky.
• Alleged misleading product labelling.
• Claims related to the age of blended spirits that did not match regulatory requirements.

The investigation reportedly found that some manufacturers were producing alcoholic beverages primarily using Extra Neutral Alcohol (ENA) or spirit and then adding flavouring agents to create a rum- or whisky-like profile.

Concern Over Age Claims

One of the major observations relates to the age claims made on certain products.

According to FSSAI, claims such as "7 Years Old Blended" must comply with the Alcoholic Beverages Regulations, 2018. Under these rules, the declared age of a blended spirit should be based on the youngest spirit used in the blend, rather than the oldest component.

The regulator believes that certain labelling practices may have created a misleading impression for consumers.

Brands Affected by the Action

The regulatory action has reportedly impacted supplies of products associated with several popular liquor brands, including:

• Old Monk
• McDowell's
• Royal Challenge
• Antiquity Blue
• Bagpiper

As a result, the availability of some products has been affected in selected markets.

Manufacturing Units That Came Under Scrutiny

Based on laboratory findings, FSSAI has reportedly ordered restrictions on the sale of products manufactured at certain facilities, including:

• Mohan Rocky Springwater's Khopoli unit (Maharashtra)
• United Spirits' Baramati facility (Maharashtra)
• INBREW Beverages unit (Madhya Pradesh)
• Associated Alcohols & Breweries (Madhya Pradesh)
• Another United Spirits manufacturing unit in Madhya Pradesh

The action is linked to specific manufacturing facilities and products identified during regulatory inspections.

Legal Challenge by Companies

Some affected companies have challenged the regulator's decision.

According to reports:

• Two companies have received conditional interim relief after filing appeals.
• Existing stock has been allowed to be sold under specified conditions.
• Some manufacturers are expected to approach the High Court for further relief.

Industry bodies such as the Confederation of Indian Alcoholic Beverage Companies (CIABC) and the International Spirits and Wines Association of India (ISWAI) have also presented the industry's concerns before FSSAI.

Supply Impact in Some States

The regulatory action has temporarily affected the distribution of several liquor products, particularly in:

• Maharashtra
• Madhya Pradesh

Consumers in these states may experience limited availability of certain brands until regulatory issues are resolved.

What Happens Next?

FSSAI has indicated that further action could be taken if additional violations are identified during ongoing inspections. Companies will be required to ensure that their manufacturing practices, flavouring methods and product labels fully comply with existing food safety and alcoholic beverage regulations before normal supply resumes.

Disclaimer: This article is based on reported regulatory developments. The allegations and regulatory observations are subject to legal proceedings and any future decisions by the concerned authorities or courts.