Flavoured rum, whisky? FSSAI tightens rules for alcohol labels
The FSSAI has initiated enforcement actions against major alcohol manufacturers for using non-permitted flavorings and misleading labeling. The regulator mandates that products using neutral alcohol with added flavors must be clearly labeled as 'flavored spirits' rather than standard rum or whisky.
Why it matters
This move protects consumer rights and ensures transparency in the food and beverage industry by preventing the misrepresentation of sub-standard products.
NEW DELHI: The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has initiated enforcement action against several alcoholic beverage manufacturers, including makers of Old Monk, McDowell's, Bagpiper, Antiquity Blue, Royal Challenge over the alleged use of non-permitted flavouring practices and misleading age-related claims, saying the products violated existing food safety and labelling regulations. The food regulator said inspections and laboratory testing found that some manufacturers were adding external "rum flavour" to rum and "whisky flavour" to whisky instead of allowing the characteristic taste and aroma to develop naturally through raw materials, fermentation, distillation and maturation. According to FSSAI, such products are being marketed as standard rum or whisky despite being predominantly made from neutral alcohol or extra neutral alcohol, which lacks the inherent flavour profile of these beverages.
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