FSSAI Bars Several Liquor Brands Over Flavouring, Labelling Violations

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has taken action against several liquor products, including variants sold under popular brands such as Old Monk and McDowell’s No. 1, following concerns over the use of flavouring substances and claims relating to the ageing of alcoholic beverages. The action has reportedly affected products from multiple well-known brands, including Bagpiper, Antiquity Blue and Royal Challenge. The regulator’s move follows scrutiny of the ingredients and production methods used in certain alcoholic drinks.

According to the report, FSSAI has raised objections to the use of artificial or “nature-identical” flavouring substances in products that are marketed in ways that may suggest they have acquired their taste and character through conventional ageing. The regulator has reportedly questioned whether such practices comply with food safety and labelling requirements.

The issue centres on the distinction between naturally aged spirits and products whose flavour profile may be achieved or enhanced through the addition of permitted flavouring compounds. FSSAI’s concerns relate to whether consumers could be misled about the actual nature, production process or quality of a beverage.

The affected products include certain variants rather than necessarily entire brand portfolios, making it important for consumers to distinguish between specific products named in regulatory action and the wider brands under which they are sold.

The FSSAI action could have wider implications for liquor manufacturers if regulators conduct further checks on similar products. It may also prompt companies to review their formulations, labelling and promotional claims to ensure compliance with food safety regulations. For consumers, the development underlines the importance of checking product-specific information rather than assuming that regulatory action against certain variants applies to every product sold under a particular brand.