Why FSSAI has sent notices to whisky, rum, beer and wine manufacturers | Explained

New Delhi: India's food safety regulator has initiated action against several alcoholic beverage manufacturers over alleged violations of labelling and product standards, raising concerns about the use of added flavours and potentially misleading age-related claims on liquor bottles.

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued notices to manufacturers after finding instances of non-compliance with the Food Safety and Standards (Alcoholic Beverages) Regulations, 2018. The regulator has asked the companies to explain why action should not be taken against them under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.

According to the regulator, inspections and compliance reviews revealed that some manufacturers were using added flavours in alcoholic beverages where such ingredients are not permitted under the regulations. The concern is that these flavouring agents can imitate a product's natural taste and aroma, even though the law requires certain categories of alcoholic drinks to retain only their inherent characteristics.

The alleged violations relate to beverages such as rum, brandy, gin, malt and grain whisky, wine and beer.

FSSAI said products in these categories are expected to possess their genuine natural flavour and aroma and the addition of artificial or external flavouring that alters these characteristics is not allowed under the existing standards.

Regulator flags 'aged' and maturity claims

The food safety watchdog has also raised concerns over the way some alcoholic beverages are marketed using terms associated with age or maturity.

According to FSSAI, certain manufacturers have been making age-related claims directly or indirectly without complying with the provisions laid down in Regulation 13.7 of the Alcoholic Beverages Regulations.

The regulator further noted that when products carry terms such as "aged" or similar descriptions, the declared age must represent the youngest spirit used in the final blend. Any deviation from this requirement could mislead consumers about the actual maturity of the product.

FSSAI has directed the concerned food business operators to submit explanations for the alleged violations. The notices require manufacturers to clarify why regulatory action should not be initiated against them under the Food Safety and Standards Act and the rules framed under it.

The regulator announced the development through its official social media handle, stating that notices had been issued over alleged non-compliance involving added flavours and misleading age-related claims.

Industry responds

The Confederation of Indian Alcoholic Beverage Companies (CIABC) said FSSAI has scheduled consultations with industry stakeholders next week to discuss the issues highlighted by the regulator.

The industry body maintained that its member companies comply with all applicable norms and guidelines prescribed by FSSAI. It added that the upcoming discussions would provide an opportunity for stakeholders to address the concerns raised by the regulator.

With PTI inputs