National · 10 updates
The regulator said that the notices have been issued as certain manufacturers are adding the flavour of the standardised alcoholic beverage itself. For instance, the addition of rum flavour in rum or whisky flavour in whisky
The action affects brands made by United Spirits, Inbrew Beverages and Mohan Rocky Springwater after the regulator found the use of artificial flavouring.
The FSSAI has prohibited adding rum or whisky flavour to spirits. This practice misrepresents the true nature of alcoholic beverages and misleads consumers. Manufacturers were found using neutral alcohol and adding identical flavouring substances. Several companies, including United Spirits, faced prohibitions and notices. The regulator stressed that characteristic taste should develop naturally through base ingredients.
While FSSAI's U-turn raised eyebrows, officials said that the company had appealed against the prohibition order promising compliance, after which the prohibition was revoked and instead an improvement notice was issued.
In June, the regulator ordered makers of high-caffeine drinks to drop the term "energy drink".