India’s food safety regulator, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), has warned Diageo over what it described as a misleading labelling claim on its Royal Challenge Whisky.
According to a confidential FSSAI notice dated July 20 and reviewed by Reuters, the regulator questioned the whisky’s front-label statement that it is “matured in American oak casks.” FSSAI reportedly found that a major portion of the spirit used in the product was non-matured and that grain neutral spirit was listed as the second ingredient after demineralised water.
FSSAI Questions Whisky Maturation Claim::
The regulator said that the complete alcohol content was not matured in wooden casks as suggested by the label, potentially misleading consumers.
FSSAI also stated that any claim concerning the age or maturation of spirits should refer to the youngest spirit used in the blend rather than the oldest spirit.
The notice further questioned the use of the term “Scotch” on the label, saying that the description was not sufficiently clear about the characteristics of the Scotch used in the product.
Royal Challenge Among Products Facing Regulatory Action:
The latest notice comes amid a wider regulatory crackdown on alcoholic beverages in India.
On August 2, FSSAI announced prohibition-of-sale orders covering certain liquor products manufactured in specific Indian states by Diageo and Inbrew, following concerns over the use of artificial flavouring substances rather than appropriate ageing and ingredients.
The products affected include:
- Royal Challenge Whisky manufactured in Madhya Pradesh
- Antiquity Blue Whisky manufactured in Madhya Pradesh
- Bagpiper Deluxe Whisky manufactured by Inbrew
- Old Cask Deluxe XXX Rum manufactured by Inbrew
The regulatory action has also triggered legal challenges from parts of the alcohol industry, while companies have maintained that they comply with applicable regulations.
Diageo Responds:
Diageo India, the commonly used name for United Spirits, said it remains committed to maintaining the highest quality standards and is actively engaging with FSSAI to address its queries regarding labelling.
United Spirits has also told stock exchanges that it does not currently expect the prohibition order to have a material financial impact, while continuing to monitor the matter.
Royal Challenge is one of Diageo’s major whisky brands in India, with the company reporting annual sales of more than 4.5 million nine-litre cases.
The development highlights increasing regulatory scrutiny of alcohol labelling, product composition, maturation claims and flavouring practices in India, particularly as authorities seek to ensure that product labels accurately represent what consumers are purchasing.
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