FSSAI Liquor Ban: The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has prohibited the sale of several well-known liquor products across the country, including select variants of Old Monk and McDowell’s No.1, after inspections allegedly found violations of food safety and labelling regulations.
The food regulator stated that some manufacturers used artificial or nature-identical flavours in place of traditional ageing methods, making the products non-compliant with the Food Safety and Standards (Alcoholic Beverages) Regulations.
Old Monk Variants Banned by FSSAI
Among the most notable brands affected are three variants of the iconic Old Monk rum:
- Old Monk The Legend
- Old Monk Gold Reserve
- Old Monk XXX Matured Rum
These products are manufactured at Mohan Rocky Springwater’s Khopoli facility. According to the FSSAI, the products relied on added flavours instead of proper maturation, raising concerns over compliance with existing regulations.
Other Liquor Brands Included in the Ban
The regulator has also prohibited several other popular alcoholic beverages manufactured at different facilities across India.
The list includes:
- McDowell’s No.1 Rum – Manufactured by United Spirits at its Baramati plant.
- Bagpiper Deluxe Whisky – Produced by INBREW Beverages in Madhya Pradesh.
- Old Cask Deluxe XXX Rum – Manufactured by INBREW Beverages.
- Central Province Whisky – Produced by Associated Alcohol & Breweries in Madhya Pradesh.
- McDowell’s Celebration Rum – Manufactured by Associated Alcohol & Breweries.
- Antiquity Blue Whisky – Produced by United Spirits at its Madhya Pradesh facility.
- Royal Challenge Whisky – Also manufactured by United Spirits in Madhya Pradesh.
Why Did FSSAI Ban These Products?
According to the regulator, laboratory testing revealed that several liquor products contained external artificial or nature-identical flavouring agents, making them substandard under the Food Safety and Standards regulations.
FSSAI said these flavouring agents were allegedly used to imitate the aroma and taste normally developed through natural ageing.
The regulator maintained that this practice could mislead consumers regarding the quality and manufacturing process of the products.
FSSAI Raises Objections to Old Monk’s Labelling
The regulator also questioned the labelling of Old Monk XXX Matured Rum.
According to FSSAI, the product claims to be a “7 years’ blended” rum. However, laboratory findings indicated that the majority of the blend consisted of neutral, unmatured spirit, while matured rum accounted for less than 5% of the total composition.
FSSAI stated that under existing regulations, any age statement on a blended alcoholic beverage must reflect the youngest spirit present in the blend.
Artificial Flavours vs Natural Flavours
The food regulator clarified that natural flavouring ingredients, such as coffee or vanilla, are generally permitted in alcoholic beverages.
However, it drew a distinction between those ingredients and adding rum flavour to rum or whisky flavour to whisky.
FSSAI compared the practice to adding tea flavour to tea, arguing that it misrepresents the product by artificially creating characteristics that consumers expect to develop through genuine production and ageing processes.
Inspections Continue Across Manufacturers
Apart from the banned products, FSSAI also inspected Mandexi Distilleries & Breweries in Goa.
The regulator has additionally issued notices to six liquor manufacturers based in Maharashtra, indicating that further regulatory action may follow depending on the outcome of ongoing investigations.
Diageo India Challenges FSSAI Order
Meanwhile, Diageo India has challenged a related order issued by FSSAI before the Bombay High Court.
The company is contesting an order dated June 29, issued under the Food Safety and Standards Act.
Diageo has argued that its product labelling complies with applicable laws and reflects long-established industry practices. The matter is currently under judicial consideration.
What FSSAI Said in Its Official Statement
In a press release issued on August 2, FSSAI reiterated that there is no internationally accepted manufacturing practice under which rum flavour is added to rum or whisky flavour is added to whisky.
The authority said that some manufacturers were using external flavouring agents to imitate the natural aroma and taste of properly matured spirits, which could mislead consumers.
Laboratory reports also concluded that the addition of artificial flavours masked the beverages’ natural characteristics, making them substandard under food safety regulations.
According to FSSAI, products manufactured using such flavouring methods should instead be marketed as “flavoured” or “premix” alcoholic beverages, rather than standard rum or whisky.
Full List of Liquor Brands Banned by FSSAI
- Old Monk The Legend
- Old Monk Gold Reserve
- Old Monk XXX Matured Rum
- McDowell’s No.1 Rum
- Bagpiper Deluxe Whisky
- Old Cask Deluxe XXX Rum
- Central Province Whisky
- McDowell’s Celebration Rum
- Antiquity Blue Whisky
- Royal Challenge Whisky
FSSAI has taken action against multiple well-known liquor brands after alleging violations related to artificial flavouring and misleading age claims. While the regulator says the products do not meet prescribed standards, some manufacturers have challenged the findings in court. The case is likely to have significant implications for India’s alcoholic beverage industry and labelling practices going forward.