The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has clarified its regulatory position on the use of identical flavours in alcoholic beverages, stating that the issue is not about banning flavouring substances altogether but about preventing manufacturers from adding flavours that imitate the natural taste and aroma of standardized alcoholic beverages such as rum and whisky.
The clarification comes after several media reports highlighted enforcement actions against alcohol manufacturers over the use of non-permitted flavouring practices and misleading age-related claims.
Why FSSAI Took Action
According to FSSAI, the characteristic flavour and aroma of alcoholic beverages such as rum, whisky, and brandy should naturally develop through approved manufacturing processes, including fermentation, distillation, maturation, and the use of appropriate raw materials like molasses, malt, or grapes.
However, inspections found that some manufacturers were producing beverages primarily from neutral or extra neutral alcohol, which lacks the characteristic flavour of these products, and then adding identical rum or whisky flavours externally. FSSAI stated that such products cannot be marketed as standard rum or whisky because they do not possess naturally developed sensory characteristics.
The authority noted that these products should instead be labelled as Rum Flavoured Spirit or Whisky Flavoured Spirit, ensuring consumers understand the true nature of the product.
Laboratory Findings
Samples of rum and whisky collected from multiple manufacturers were tested in accredited laboratories.
The laboratory reports concluded that several products were sub-standard because artificial or nature-identical flavours had been added to mask the natural flavour of the beverage.
FSSAI pointed out that under the Food Safety and Standards (Alcoholic Beverages) Regulations, 2018, rum must possess the characteristic taste and aroma naturally associated with the product. The reports stated that the addition of artificial flavours masked these natural characteristics, making the products non-compliant.
Misleading Age Claims
FSSAI also found misleading age claims on certain products.
One notable example was Old Monk XXX Rum, which carried the claim “7 Years Old Blended.” Investigations found that the product primarily contained neutral, unmatured spirit, while matured rum spirit accounted for less than five percent of the blend.
Under FSSAI regulations, the age statement of a blended spirit must be determined by the youngest spirit used in the blend. Therefore, the authority considered the claim misleading and in violation of existing regulations.
FSSAI Clarifies Its Stand on Flavouring
FSSAI emphasized that the use of natural and nature-identical flavouring substances remains legally permitted in alcoholic beverages when supported by a legitimate technological purpose.
For example, flavours such as coffee or vanilla may be used where allowed under regulations.
However, the authority clarified that adding rum flavour to rum or whisky flavour to whisky is different because these flavours are expected to develop naturally during production.
FSSAI compared the practice to adding coffee flavour to coffee or tea flavour to tea, stating that such additions do not serve any legitimate technological function and may mislead consumers.
Enforcement Action
Based on laboratory findings, FSSAI issued prohibition orders on the sale of several products manufactured by different companies, including:
- Mohan Rocky Springwater, Khopoli (Old Monk The Legend, Gold Reserve and XXX Matured Rum variants)
- United Spirits, Baramati (McDowell’s No. 1 Rum)
- INBREW Beverages, Madhya Pradesh (Bagpiper Deluxe Whisky and Old Cask Deluxe XXX Rum)
- Associated Alcohol & Breweries, Madhya Pradesh (Central Province Whisky and McDowell’s No. 1 Celebration Matured XXX Rum)
- United Spirits, Madhya Pradesh (Antiquity Blue Whisky and Royal Challenge Whisky)
In addition, inspections and product sampling were conducted at Mandexi Distilleries & Breweries in Goa, while notices were issued to six other manufacturers in Maharashtra for further regulatory action.
Conditional Relief for Some Manufacturers
Following appeals from two manufacturers, FSSAI granted conditional revocation of the prohibition for existing stock.
These companies have been allowed to sell their current inventory only after clearly disclosing the true nature of the product on the front of the package. For all future production, they have been instructed not to add identical flavours such as rum flavour or whisky flavour.
Industry Wide Ban Not Intended
FSSAI clarified that the issue does not affect the entire alcoholic beverage industry.
The authority stated that many manufacturers continue to produce fully compliant alcoholic beverages using approved manufacturing methods and authentic raw materials. The enforcement actions are targeted only at manufacturers using neutral alcohol with externally added identical flavours to imitate standardized alcoholic beverages.
FSSAI Reaffirms Consumer Protection
FSSAI reiterated that food safety regulations are designed to preserve the authenticity of alcoholic beverages and prevent misleading practices.
The authority emphasized that food businesses must not use additives or labelling practices that deceive consumers and reaffirmed its commitment to protecting consumer interests through fair trade practices and strict enforcement of food safety standards.
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