FSSAI warned Diageo that its whisky's 'matured in American oak casks' claim was misleading
The FSSAI has warned Diageo that its labeling of certain whiskies as 'matured in American oak casks' is misleading because the products contain significant amounts of non-matured spirit. This is part of a broader regulatory crackdown on alcohol labeling and artificial flavoring in India.
Why it matters
This highlights increased regulatory scrutiny on the Indian alcohol industry regarding consumer protection and product authenticity.
India’s food safety regulator warned liquor giant Diageo that it misleadingly claimed one of its top-selling whiskies was “matured in American oak casks”, when most of the product had not been matured, a confidential government notice shows.
The previously unreported July 20 notice from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India, reviewed by Reuters , reveals another complaint by the regulator, in addition to an assertion of improper flavouring that prompted the authorities to ban some spirits this month.
The FSSAI announced on Sunday (August 2, 2026) it had prohibited sales of Diageo’s Royal Challenge Whisky made in the State of Madhya Pradesh and some whisky and rum brands made in some Indian States by Diageo and India’s Inbrew for using artificial flavouring, such as whisky and rum flavours, rather than proper ageing and ingredients.
The industry says it complies with the law.
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