FSSAI Flags Popular Liquor Variants; Sale of Certain Old Monk, Royal Challenge, Bagpiper Products Stopped
FSSAI has stopped the sale of certain variants of Old Monk, Royal Challenge, Bagpiper, and Antiquity Blue after finding alleged labelling and flavouring violations. The regulator says products made using added artificial flavours cannot be marketed as traditionally aged spirits and must instead be labelled as "flavoured spirits." The action currently affects specific manufacturing units in Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh.
New Delhi: The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has taken action against certain variants of popular liquor brands, including Old Monk, Royal Challenge, Bagpiper, and Antiquity Blue, over alleged violations of food safety and labelling regulations.
Why Did FSSAI Take Action?
According to FSSAI, some liquor variants were found to contain artificial or nature-identical flavouring substances while being marketed as products made through traditional ageing or maturation processes.
The regulator stated that manufacturers cannot bypass the natural ageing process by adding whisky or rum flavouring and still market the products as traditionally matured spirits. Such products should instead be labelled as "flavoured spirits" in accordance with food safety regulations.
Which Products Are Affected?
The action currently applies to specific variants manufactured at certain production units in Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh. Authorities have not yet clarified whether the restrictions apply to every variant of these brands sold across India.
FSSAI has classified the affected products as sub-standard under existing food safety norms and has directed manufacturers to ensure proper labelling and regulatory compliance.
What Happens Next?
Manufacturers may be required to relabel or modify the affected products to meet FSSAI standards before they can continue to be sold. The regulator is expected to provide further clarification regarding the nationwide scope of the action.