FSSAI Stops Sale of Select Diageo and Inbrew Liquor Brands Over Flavouring Issues
FSSAI has suspended the sale of some spirits brands of Diageo (United Spirits) and Inbrew Beverages after it was found that they were using artificial or nature-identical flavourings in whiskies and rums. Such activities may mislead customers and contravene labelling requirements, the agency warned.
Due to their use of artificial flavouring, certain well-liked whiskies and rums produced by Inbrew Beverages and Diageo's United Spirits subsidiary have been banned from sale in India by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). Natural flavouring ingredients can be used in alcoholic beverages, according to the FSSAI. Nevertheless, the investigation revealed that certain Diageo and Inbrew facilities were enhancing the alcoholic beverage with its own flavourings, such as rum with its own flavourings.
Rum flavouring or whisky flavouring is not an internationally acknowledged production procedure, according to the food authorities. Additionally, it was mentioned that these flavourings could provide a way for corporations to avoid using natural ingredients like molasses, malt, or grapes, as well as to save on maturation.
Findings of FSSAI’s Investigation
The spirits were determined to be "sub-standard due to the presence of external artificial or nature-identical flavours", according to the FSSAI testing. Adding whisky or rum flavouring to rum, according to the authority, can mislead customers by hiding the drinks' true flavours. No ordinary whisky or rum with these additions should be sold under that name. The truth about their ingredients must be clearly displayed on the packaging; thus, products like "whisky-flavoured spirit" or "rum-flavoured spirit" would be labelled correctly.
It is not illegal to use flavouring ingredients in alcoholic drinks, according to the FSSAI. In cases where there is a valid technical reason, their utilisation is authorised. The flavourings that attempt to replicate the distinctive taste of the homogenised alcoholic drink are the source of the biggest concern. For example, one "7-year-old blended" rum was determined to have less than 5% aged rum and more than 75% neutral, unaged spirit.
Actions Taken by FSSAI
Popular brands of locally created spirits including Royal Challenge Whisky and Antiquity Blue Whisky from United Spirits are engaged. These brands are manufactured in Madhya Pradesh, as are Inbrew's Bagpiper Deluxe Whisky and Old Cask Deluxe XXX Rum produced in the same state. Mohan Rocky Springwater of Maharashtra produces one of the oldest and most well-known rum brands in India, Old Monk.
The regulator has also outlawed sales of three popular versions of this brand. The move is in response to the FSSAI's increased inspection of the beverage industry. Manufacturers of caffeinated drinks referred to as "energy drinks" were recently instructed by the authorities to cease using such term. So, PepsiCo and Red Bull asked the regulator to hold off on a ban until talks wrap up, but the regulator turned them down.
Additionally, the authorities clarified that the entire spirits business is not the target of the case. Moreover, it was mentioned that a lot of producers are still making alcoholic drinks that are completely up to code. It also allowed two firms to sell their current stock through conditional relief. However, they are only allowed to do so if the front label accurately describes the product. Additionally, FSSAI ordered them to stop using the same flavouring going forward.
