India’s food safety regulator has ordered a halt to the sale of several popular whisky and rum products manufactured by Diageo’s Indian subsidiary, Inbrew Beverages and Mohan Rocky Springwater after tests found the use of external artificial or nature-identical flavouring. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India said such additives were being used in place of proper maturation and natural ingredients needed to develop the drinks’ taste and aroma.
Regulator Objects to Artificial Flavouring
FSSAI permits the use of natural flavouring substances in alcoholic beverages. However, its tests reportedly found that some factories operated by Diageo and Inbrew were adding flavours of the alcoholic beverage itself, including rum flavour to rum and whisky flavour to whisky.
The regulator said there was no internationally recognised manufacturing practice under which such flavouring was added to the corresponding spirit. It stated that the use of these additives could allow manufacturers to bypass maturation or reduce reliance on natural ingredients such as molasses, malt and grapes.
The affected locally produced spirits are generally more affordable than imported rum, whisky and Scotch. India is among the world’s largest alcohol markets, with annual revenue estimated at $40 billion, while Diageo is the country’s largest alcohol company by market share.
Popular Whisky and Rum Brands Face Sales Ban
The ban covers products made by United Spirits, Diageo’s Indian subsidiary, including Antiquity Blue Whisky and Royal Challenge Whisky produced in Madhya Pradesh.
Inbrew products affected by the order include Bagpiper Deluxe Whisky and Old Cask Deluxe XXX Rum made in the same state.
FSSAI also prohibited the sale of three popular variants of Old Monk, one of India’s oldest and best-known rum brands. These products were manufactured by Mohan Rocky Springwater in western Maharashtra.
The regulator said laboratory tests classified the products as sub-standard because of the presence of external artificial or nature-identical flavours.
Scope of Order Remains Unclear
Diageo India, Inbrew and Mohan Rocky Springwater did not respond to requests for comment cited in the report.
Two senior industry executives said the companies were concerned about the order and believed the use of flavouring complied with Indian regulations. They declined to be identified because of the sensitivity of the matter.
It was not clear whether the ban applied to the same brands produced at other company factories or only to products manufactured in the identified states. FSSAI did not respond to queries seeking clarification on the scope of the order.
The action comes as the regulator tightens scrutiny of the food and beverage sector. It has also directed manufacturers of high-caffeine beverages sold as energy drinks to stop using that description.
About the author — Suvedita Nath is a science student with a growing interest in cybercrime and digital safety. She writes on online activity, cyber threats, and technology-driven risks. Her work focuses on clarity, accuracy, and public awareness.
